Man accused of conspiracy to import 39 tonnes of drugs applies for bail again

The High Court has heard today that a British national arrested in connection with a conspiracy to import cocaine and cannabis worth millions of pounds into the United Kingdom will seek bail for a second time next week.

Philip Michael Baron (aged 55), of Bawnogues, New Road, Straffan, Co Kildare is wanted by British authorities to face four charges relating to money laundering and the conspiracy to import 39 tonnes of drugs to the UK from South Africa and Costa Rica between 2005 and 2009.

He was arrested at his home close to the K Club in Co Kildare in May on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

Baron was refused bail in June after the High Court found that there had been an “evidential deficit” in the submissions made on his behalf.

Mr Justice John Edwards found there had been insufficient documentation detailing Baron’s income, assets and liabilities before the court, that he had a lack of meaningful financial ties to Ireland and that there was “good reason” to consider him a flight risk.

Counsel for Baron, Mr John Byrne BL, today told the court that his client wished to revisit the deficiencies highlighted during the initial hearing.

Mr Byrne said that as a “considerable amount” of information was being sought from the UK authorities with regard to the charges laid against his client, he would also seek to have the extradition hearing adjourned until a date in October.

Mr Justice Edwards remanded Baron to Cloverhill prison and instructed that he appear before the court again on July 27.

He further adjourned the extradition proceedings against him until October 5, the beginning of the next court term.