Probe into alleged drugs importation conspiracy is continuing 'at pace'

One of ten men arrested is further remanded in custody

Anuar Rahui, who appeared in court by video link, was further remanded in custody until September 2 for DPP directions. Picture: Chani Anderson

A senior member of the investigation team in the case of an alleged conspiracy to import a huge consignment of drugs in to Ireland earlier this year has said that the probe is continuing “at pace.” 

Ten men were arrested in various locations in West Cork last March in connection with the investigation. The accused, who hail from Ireland, Spain, Serbia and the Netherlands, appeared in various courts in Cork on March 21 last.

Anuar Rahui (41) of Malaga in Spain has now appeared before a vacation sitting of Cork District Court in relation to his alleged role in the offence.

Solicitor for Mr Rahui, Aoife Buttimer, asked Sergeant Gearóid Davis what progress had been made in the investigation.

Sgt Davis told Judge John King that it was a “huge investigation” and that Dt Sgt Michael Lyons was in court to give an update on its progress.

Dt Sgt Lyons said that the timeline previously presented to the court “is on schedule.” 

“The investigation is continuing at pace. We are continuing to investigate lines of inquiry. We are on schedule for submitting a file to the DPP.

Investigation is 'complex'

"Since the last court date one of seven phones submitted to Europol has been opened and continues to be analysed.” 

He described the investigation as "complex." He said the probe involves feedback from a forensics analyst.

Mr Rahui, who appeared in court by video link, was further remanded in custody until September 2 for DPP directions.

Mr Rahui is charged with conspiring with nine others to import drugs.

The charge in each case states: “That you (defendant’s name) on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the state, did conspire with one or more persons, namely (nine other names) to do an act in the state that constitutes a serious offence, namely the other nine importation of controlled drugs in excess of €13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2023.” 

A Spanish interpreter translated proceedings from Cork District Court for Mr Rahui. Judge King described the length of the remand as reasonable given the complexity of the investigation.