Collopy brothers remanded in continuing custody in €50k heroin case

Two Limerick brothers, charged with possession of €50,000 worth of heroin, have been remanded in continuing custody.

Brian and Kieran Collopy were arrested last December after Gardaí swooped on a house in Limerick city and found the drugs.

The brothers were arrested in a planned Garda operation at the house at St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park, on December 15.

Garda previously told the court that books of evidence - being complied by the Director of Public Prosecutions - are at "an advanced stage".

At a previous special sitting of the court in Kilmallock, Co Limerick, the Collopy brothers were refused bail after the State raised concerns that they may be leave the jurisdiction and not face trial on indictment.

Detective Garda David McGrath said Brian Collopy, Killonan, Ballysimon, Co Limerick, had left Ireland 11 times in 2015, and that Gardaí believe he is a "genuine flight risk".

Brian Collopy, 43, who is in receipt of a disability payment, made nine trips to Alicante in Spain and visited the UK twice during 2015.

Kieran Collopy, 40, St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, was in Spain four times in the past year and made one trip to Prague, the court heard.

Both men are charged with possession of heroin, contrary to Section Three of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

They are also charged with possession of heroin with intent for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Today, Judge Mary Larkin remanded both men in continuing custody, for preparation of books of evidence, to appear before Limerick District Court again, on February 23.