Man charged with conspiracy to import drugs denies being involved in drug-smuggling

Two men charged with conspiracy with others to import controlled drugs in excess of €13,000 between February 27 and March 14 in the State

Juan Antonio Gallardo told gardaí: 'I do not belong to any criminal organisation and I have never taken part in drug smuggling.' File picture: Larry Cummins

One of the men charged in connection with conspiracy to import drugs has denied that he has ever been involved in drug-smuggling.

Juan Antonio Gallardo, 55, of 12 Turina Street, Cadiz, Spain, appeared in court in Midleton on Thursday afternoon charged after a major Garda operation in West Cork last week.