Man denied bail after seizure of drugs and cash in Cork city

Court hears accused has been in Ireland since 2021

The man was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act on counts including having cannabis resin for sale or supply at an apartment on St Patrick’s Hill, Cork.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on counts of having thousands of euro worth of cannabis and thousands in cash in Cork city at the weekend and gardaí objected to bail being granted to him today.

Garda Elaine Gallery arrested Igor Auila Silva, with an address at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork.

Garda Gallery charged him with two counts of money-laundering, specifically that on January 3 at an apartment at St.Patrick’s Hill, Cork, he had €6,201 cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct, and that on January 4 at a room at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork, he had €3,391 cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct.

He was further charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act on counts including having cannabis resin for sale or supply on January 3 at an apartment on St Patrick’s Hill.

Garda Gallery said: “The nature of the evidence is strong. Following a search of the accused on January 3, €11,220 in suspected cannabis herb and €280 cannabis resin were located along with weighing scales, bagging equipment, and €6,201 in cash.

“A quantity of additional suspected controlled drugs were also located but will be subject to forensic examination.

“Another address associated with Mr Silva was searched on January 4 and €3,931 cash and suspected drugs were found.

“Given the serious nature of the incident I do not believe Mr Silva will make an appearance in court if granted bail. He made several attempts to mislead gardaí in relation to his address, date of birth, and full name.” 

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused was in Ireland on a Brazilian passport from December 3, 2021, he was working here in a number of jobs and he has no previous convictions.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody until January 13 and directed the presence of a Portuguese interpreter on that occasion at Cork District Court.