Dublin man charged over €4.2m cannabis seizure in Shannon

Accused replied 'guilty as charged' in reply to Section 15 Misuse of Drugs charge

James Lawlor is charged with having cannabis at the N19, Smithstown, on May 26 for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Stock picture

A 40-year old Dublin man has appeared in court in connection with an estimated €4.2m, 210kg cannabis seizure on the outskirts of Shannon on Tuesday.

James Lawlor, of Killininny House, Firhouse, Dublin 24, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday afternoon after being charged with two drug-related offences arising from the alleged cannabis seizure at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon, on May 26.

In evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, Garda Eoin McCabe of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he arrested Mr Lawlor at Shannon Garda Station at 1.30pm on Wednesday.

Mr Lawlor is charged with having cannabis at the N19, Smithstown, on May 26 for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Mr Lawlor is also charged with having in his possession cannabis at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Garda McCabe said that Mr Lawlor made no reply when cautioned on the Section 3 Misuse of Drugs charge and replied "guilty as charged" in reply to the Section 15 Misuse of Drugs charge.

Solicitor Shíofra Hassett told the court that there is no application for bail for Mr Lawlor.

Ms Hassett said Mr Lawlor is a suitable candidate for legal aid and asked that solicitor Matthew Kenny  represent him.

Ms Hassett told the court she was stepping in to act on behalf of Mr Kenny in the case on Wednesday.

Sergeant Frank O’Grady told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are not yet available in the case.

Judge Adrian Harris remanded Mr Lawlor in custody to appear via video-link from prison at Ennis District Court on June 3.