Cork man charged with possessing €500,000 worth of cannabis remanded in custody

Gardaí objected to bail, saying the accused had a significant drugs debt and they believed he would be involved in a criminal enterprise to pay off the debt

Gardaí found a rubbish bag in a car containing 273kg of cannabis with a street value of €546,000.

More than €500,000 worth of cannabis boxed in vacuum-packs was seized in an investigation in Cork and a 24-year-old man facing charges in the case has been remanded in custody until August 5.

24-year-old Daniel Kelleher, of 44 Mourne Avenue, The Glen, Cork, was remanded in custody by Judge David Waters until that remand court during the summer break for Cork District Court.

He faces charges of possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 22 at Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork.

Detective Garda Rory Fogarty, who arrested Daniel Kelleher, objected to bail and said of the accused: “He has a significant drugs debt because of this alleged incident. Gardaí strongly believe that he will continue to be involved in the criminal enterprise to pay off this debt if granted bail. 

"Evidence gleaned from his mobile phone indicates that he is still involved in the drugs trade and there are conversations observed where he is selling large amounts of cannabis and cocaine.” 

Det Garda Fogarty said: “On January 22, gardaí observed another man enter a house at Imaal Court, The Glen, Cork, take a bag and place it into the rear of a Volkswagen Golf. Gardaí followed this car to North Monastery Road before stopping it for a search. €62,000 worth of cannabis was found. Surveillance was then continued at the house at Imaal Court.

“Gardaí observed Daniel Kelleher arrive at Imaal Court, driving a Volkswagen Passat. He entered the Imaal Court address and was observed returning out shortly after with another person, who was carrying a cardboard box. Daniel Kelleher then sits into the driver's seat of this vehicle and transports the box to Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork.

“Gardaí observed cardboard boxes being removed and placed into a Grey Toyota Auris that is parked in the driveway of the address. Daniel Kelleher then leaves this address and travels back towards Immal Court “

"A short time later, gardaí again observe Daniel Kelleher travelling towards Arderrin Way. In the passenger seat was another cardboard box, containing what appeared to be vacuum-packed packaging. He is then seen leaving Arderrin Way. A search warrant is obtained for that property.

“During the search, in the Toyota Auris parked in the front of the property was a rubbish bag, containing 273kg of cannabis with a street value of €546,000 inside this vehicle. 

"A certificate of analysis from Forensic Science Ireland has since been received documenting the weight of the cannabis seized.”