Three accused in €4.2m cocaine case in Cork further remanded in custody

The three men have an appeal for bail at the High Court

Gentjan Dodaj (left) and Donatel Dodaj are charged with possession of cocaine, and having cocaine for sale or supply. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Three men who appeared in court on Monday by video link from prison following last month’s seizure of more than €4 million worth of cocaine in Dunkettle were remanded in custody until October 2.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Olann Kelleher remanded all three accused in custody for a fortnight at Cork District Court.

39-year-old Gentjan Dodaj and 22-year-old Donatel Dodaj, who are brothers with an address at Paradise Road, Athlone in Co. Westmeath, were represented in court by solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, and Daniel Afedoaei of Slí an Aifreann in Athlone, who is also aged 22, was represented by barrister, Cliodhna Buckley.

The three accused were told that if they succeeded in an appeal for bail at the High Court, having previously been refused at the district court, then they would be required to appear in Cork District Court in person on October 3.

All three are charged with possession of cocaine, and having cocaine for sale or supply on Sunday, August 6, at L2998 in Richmond, Dunkettle, Co. Cork.

The seizure of the drugs occurred following an intelligence-led operation targeting persons suspected of involvement with organised crime, a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service. 

During this operation, Revenue officers seized approximately 60kg of cocaine with an estimated value of €4,200,000.