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. 

Also appearing at Midleton District Court was co-accused, 26-year-old Aleksander Milic, of Svetorgorska 15, Flat 5, Belgrade, Serbia.

Aleksander Milic made no reply when charged, court heard. File picture: Larry Cummins

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

Garda Brendan McGarry told Judge Colm Roberts that when charged, Mr Gallardo replied: "I do not belong to any criminal organisation and I have never taken part in drug smuggling."

Garda Anthony Finn said Mr Milic made no reply when charged.

Both men have been remanded in custody to appear in court in Mallow next Tuesday via video link. Free legal aid was granted by Judge Roberts.

The court proceedings were interpreted for them by Spanish and Serbian interpreters.