Four Spanish nationals charged with conspiring to import drugs into Ireland

Appearance of the four at Cork District Court followed the arrest of 10 men and the seizure of a jeep, a camper van, articulated truck, and rigid inflatable boat as part of a major investigation in the past number of days

The lorry that was searched by gardaí after the arrests in Tragumna last week. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Four Spanish nationals were arrested and charged with conspiring to import drugs into Ireland and they were brought before Cork District Court on Thursday.

Each man is accused of conspiring with nine others to import drugs. Sergeant Gearóid Davis said in respect of each case: “We are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is not an applicable matter for bail in this court.” 

He applied to have each of the four men remanded in custody until March 27 to appear again at Cork District Court by video link from prison.

Judge Mary Dorgan acceded to the application in each case. It will be a matter for the accused to apply for bail at the High Court in Dublin at a later stage if they want to be released pending trial.

Two of the defendants who appeared at Cork District Court were formally arrested and charged at Togher Garda Station and two more were brought from the Bridewell Garda Station. 

The moment arrests were made after gardaí stopped a campervan near Tragumna last week.

All were charged at about noon on Thursday. Sgt Davis said to Judge Mary Dorgan that the arrests in Cork City gave jurisdiction to Cork District Court to deal with the matters.

Detective Garda Kate Gilligan of the Garda National Drugs Unit arrested Angel Serran Padilla, 39, of Malaga, Spain, whose only reply after caution was: “OK.” 

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said: “This man has a number of medical difficulties and was hospitalised during the course of his detention. I would ask for that to be brought to the attention of the prison governor.” 

Judge Dorgan requested that he would get any necessary medical attention, adding it would be a matter for the prison authorities.

Free legal aid was granted and extended for the purpose of having the Spanish interpreter — who translated court proceedings — available for a consultation with the accused.

Detective Garda Mark Donovan of the Garda National Drugs Unit arrested and charged Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, of Cadiz, Spain, and he made no reply after caution. 

Garda Donovan asked for the defendant to submit a written statement of means for his free legal aid application. Mr Burke said that would be done and said the accused was on Spanish social welfare of just over €300 per week.

Detective Garda Robert Kennedy arrested 48-year-old Raul Garcia Tabares of Cadiz, Spain, on the same charge and he made no comment to the charge after caution. He was represented by Frank Buttimer, solicitor.

Detective Garda Dermot Crowley charged 41-year-old Anuar Rahui of Malaga, Spain, with the same count of conspiring with others to import drugs. Again, he made no reply to the charge after caution and was remanded in custody until March 27 for DPP directions.

Mr Buttimer asked in respect of Mr Rahui and Mr Garcia Tabares for them to be facilitated with necessary communications for family and consular contact while in custody. Free legal was granted subject to statements of means to Mr Rahui.

There was one Spanish interpreter present in court who translated proceedings for both of these accused. For the first two accused who appeared at Cork District Court, a different Spanish interpreter was sworn for each of them.

The court appearance of the four Spanish nationals followed the arrest of 10 men and the seizure of a jeep, a camper van, articulated truck, and rigid inflatable boat as part of a major investigation in the past number of days.