DPP actively considering 4,500-page file in case against 10 men accused of importing drugs

One of the accused wants to apply to have the matter struck out on the next date if directions from the DPP are not available

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

The 4,500-page investigation file in the case against 10 men accused of conspiring to import drugs into Ireland is presently under active consideration at the DPP’s office.

This position was described on Monday at Cork District Court where two of the 10 accused men appeared by video link from prison.

Solicitors for the two men complained of the amount of time spent in custody by the accused while there were still no directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sergeant John Kelleher said: “Approximately 4,500 pages need to be reviewed as well as a quantity of CCTV that also has to be reviewed by the DPP.” 

Sgt Kelleher said that Detective Sergeant Michael Lyons would have an update for the court on the next occasion. “I am not saying we will have directions but if we don’t have it we will have a more concrete position from the director,” Sgt Kelleher said.

The two defendants before the court today were remanded in continuing custody until different dates towards the end of October.

Eddie Burke solicitor for Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, 35, of Cadiz, Spain, said his client had no previous convictions and that as a foreign national was having more difficulty remanded in custody for over six months and that his family had to travel from Spain in order to visit him periodically. 

He said it was difficult to explain to Mr Ortega the prosecution reasons for the delay in the case. He was remanded in further custody until October 23.

41-year-old Anuar Rahui of Malaga, Spain, was represented by Frank Buttimer, solicitor, who said: “He instructs me to apply to have the matter struck out on the next date if directions are not available.” His case was adjourned until October 25.

On the question of the DPP issuing directions in the case, Judge Philip O’Leary said: “I will mark it peremptory on the next occasion if there is not a satisfactory explanation from the DPP on that occasion.” 

Each of the accused — and eight other men also before the courts — is accused of 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 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.”