Cork gardaí send file to DPP within deadline on 10 men accused of importing drugs

The complex case has included contacts with British, Spanish and Danish police forces, as well as enquiries conducted in South America and North America

The lorry that was searched by gardaí after the arrests in Tragumna in March. File picture: Andy Gibson

The investigative file in the cases against 10 men accused of conspiring to import drugs into Ireland arising out of a major international investigation has been sent to the DPP in compliance with a legal deadline.

Detective Sergeant Michael Lyons was present in Cork District Court on Monday where one of the 10 accused men appeared by video link from prison on a conspiracy charge. Det. Sgt Lyons previously gave evidence on how the investigation had been progressing.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis told Judge Mary Dorgan: “The file has gone to the DPP on August 30.” Anuar Rahui of Calle Jaen, Marbella, Malaga, Spain, was represented in court by Frank Buttimer who explained to the accused through a Spanish interpreter the significance of the file going to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The police file has now been sent to the DPP — the public prosecutor. That means the police have made the deadline on what was required to be done. The prosecutor must now consider the investigation file and give a direction to the judge as to what is to happen to this case.

“They must obey the obligation to deal with the matter as rapidly as possible. Realistically, that may take some weeks. I recommend that there would be consent (by the defendant) to a four-week adjournment so that consideration could be given by the prosecution,” Mr Buttimer said.

Through the interpreter, Mr Rahui said he would follow whatever his solicitor recommended.

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody until September 30 and said: “Obviously, this is a complex investigation and it is good to hear the file has now gone to the DPP.” 

The defendant is one of 10 men charged with the same offence. Some co-accused are due to appear on other dates at Cork District Court, others are before different courts in County Cork. One of the 10 is on bail and all of the others are in custody on the charge.

Each of the defendants is accused of conspiring with nine others to import drugs. 

Through an interpreter, Anuar Rahui said he would follow whatever his solicitor recommended. Picture: Chani Anderson

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 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.” 

Det. Sgt Lyons said previously that there had been more than 175 interviews with the prisoners involving 62 members in charge and 48 interviewing members of An Garda Síochána, 350-plus statements have been taken, 310-plus lines of enquiry were being followed, more than 700 exhibits were seized and 50-plus electronic devices are being forensically analysed. 

Numerous enquiries undertaken with Europol and Interpol and case conferences have taken place with British, Spanish and Danish police forces, as well as enquiries conducted in South America and North America.