'Senior figure in Cork City's drugs trade' granted bail

In his bail application, Ian Hanlon said: 'Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did.'

Cork District Court heard that cocaine with a value of €80,000 was found at the defendant's home. File picture: iStock

A “senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork City and across the south of Ireland” was remanded in custody with consent to bail on Wednesday after an independent surety was approved in court.

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

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case against Ian Hanlon, on the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, until June 26 to allow time for DPP directions to be obtained.

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."

Ian Hanlon gave evidence in his bail application, saying: 

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 granted bail to the accused but on conditions, including his own bond of €15,000 cash, and an independent surety of €10,000, of which €5,000 cash is to be lodged in court. That surety was approved on Wednesday.

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.