Businessman arrested after seizure of €10.6m cocaine haul is refused bail
Gardaí on duty in Gorey on Sunday evening as a man arrested in connection with the drugs seizure appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court court. Picture: Collins Courts
A businessman arrested by gardaí investigating the seizure of €10.6m worth of cocaine has appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court.
The man, aged in his 60s, Michael Murphy of Kilkenny/Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton in connection with the seizure of 152kg of cocaine.
The accused appeared on two charges under Section 3 and Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act regarding possession of drugs and also possession of drugs for sale and supply.
Detective Garda Stephen Lane said that, in reply to the charge under Section 3, the accused said he was aware of drugs being in the vehicle.
Chris Hogan, solicitor for the accused, made an application for bail.
Prosecuting garda sergeant Stephen Ennis objected to the application.
Det Gda Lane of Waterford Garda Division outlined to the court that An Garda Síochána seized cocaine valued at more than €10m following a surveillance operation on a sophisticated drugs distribution hub, resulting in the discovery of a secret compartment in a truck that was packed with drugs.
The truck, which was stopped by gardaí on the M9 in Co Kilkenny last Tuesday, had been modified to create the hidden compartment in a tactic that has now been discovered several times during garda operations in recent years.
The hidden compartment in the truck was of very high quality and necessitated the vehicle being brought to Dublin Port for X-ray with a special scanner.
When the precise location and structure of the compartment was established, it facilitated the retrieval of the cocaine.
The compartment included a hydraulic system which was electronically controlled to open and close, ensuring it was hidden and secure.
Gardaí from the DOCS and Waterford Drug and Crime Units carried out the operation on Tuesday morning.
As well as seizing the truck, they searched two business premises and a residential address in Co Waterford.
The operation was supported by Revenue Customs Service and the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit.
Defence solicitor Chris Hogan said that conditions would be adhered to if bail was granted.
He said the defendant has handed in his passport and driving licence, and added that Mr Murphy is a man with strong links to his locality who is a family man and has a business.
Judge Staunton said that the accused comes before the court an innocent man with a presumption of innocence and an entitlement to bail, and that the court has to have a good reason to refuse bail.
However, given certain concerns, including the €10.6m value put on the drugs, Judge Staunton said he would refuse bail.
He remanded the accused in custody to appear before Waterford District Court on Tuesday.
The judge also granted an application that the defendant's address not be published.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
