'Senior figure in drugs trade in Cork and across the south of Ireland' in fear for his life, court told

The defendant was granted bail on numerous conditions

Ian Hanlon of Maulbawn, Passage West, County Cork, and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18. File picture

A “senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork City and across the south of Ireland” was described at Cork District Court on Thursday as being in fear for his life due to a €300,000 drug debt

He was charged on Thursday with having €80,000 worth of cocaine at his home in Passage West. Detective Garda Bryan English of Togher Drugs Unit arrested 54-year-old Ian Hanlon of Maulbawn, Passage West, County Cork, and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18.

Det. Garda English objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the alleged offence and concerns he would carry out more drugs offences if released.

Det. Garda English testified at Cork District Court that officers of Togher Drugs Unit arrived at the defendant’s home on Sunday May 18. “Gardaí arrived at the property with a warrant. No persons were present. Gardaí made contact with Ian Hanlon (by phone) and invited him to return home and he said he would. A considerable amount of time was given for him to do so.

“When gardaí contacted him again to say they had entered the house without him and had breached it, his phone was turned off. Subject to analysis, cocaine with a value of €80,000 was found at his home. Mixing agent was also found along with a tick list with names and large amount of money (noted).

“At interview, he said he has a debt of €300,000 and is now at a loss for the drugs on top of that. He is believed to be at the higher level of the drugs trade across Cork City and the southern region of Ireland.

“I believe he is a flight risk. He has shown he is capable of evading gardaí. He says he is in fear for his life because of his outstanding drug debt. He has no addictions. He is purely dealing for financial reasons and to pay off a drugs debt,” Det. Garda English said.

Mahon Corkery, defence barrister, said in cross-examination of the detective: “There is no evidence of a life threat against him or his family. And if he is under threat for a drugs debt how is he going to mix it up with those people and start dealing again?” 

Bail decision

Ian Hanlon gave evidence in his bail application and Sergeant Gearóid Davis asked him about being in fear for his life. Ian Hanlon said: “Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did. I cannot do it anymore. I have to accept what it is now. I have no intention of doing anything. I am in enough trouble.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan did grant bail to the accused but on numerous conditions, including his own bond of €15,000 cash, residing at his home in Passage West, signing daily at Anglesea Street Garda Station, an 11pm to 7am curfew, surrendering his passport, an independent surety of €10,000, of which €5,000 in cash is to be lodged in court, remaining in the jurisdiction, abstaining from intoxicants, not offending and being contactable at all times by his mobile phone.

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody with consent to that bail until May 29 at Cork District Court.

Ian Hanlon is charged with possession of cocaine at his home on May 18 and having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others.