Two appear in court charged with possessing €210k worth of heroin at house in Cork City

The 60-year-old man was granted bail but the 43-year-old woman was remanded in custody

It was alleged that 1.5kgs of heroin with a street value of €210,000 was seized on Wednesday. File picture

A transaction involving €210,000 worth of heroin was intercepted by gardaí who arrested a 43-year-old Cork woman and a 60-year-old man based in Tipperary, it was alleged when both parties were brought before Cork District Court.

60-year-old Philip Hicks of Cois Na hAbhainn, Mullinahone, County Tipperary, appeared before Cork District Court charged with possession of diamorphine (heroin) and having the drug for sale or supply on September 1 at Upper Convent Road, Blackrock, Cork. Detective Garda James Byrd said it was alleged that 1.5kgs of heroin with a street value of €210,000 was seized on the evening of Wednesday, September 2. 

There was no garda objection to bail for Philip Hicks on conditions including that he would reside at the Mullinahone address, stay out of County Cork, except for court appearances and legal appointments, abide by a 9pm to 9am curfew, provide gardaí with a mobile phone number at which he is contactable at all times and sign regularly at Clonmel garda station. 

His case was adjourned until October 1. Sergeant John Dineen said directions would be required from the DPP.

43-year-old Sandra Byrne of Upper Convent Road, Blackrock, Cork, is charged with the same two counts and she is additionally charged with money-laundering in respect of €12,980 cash.

Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe did object to bail being granted to Ms Byrne. As well as alleged involvement in the drugs transaction it was alleged that her house was searched and that €12,980 in cash was found hidden under clothes in a laundry basket.

Det. Garda O’Keeffe testified: “She now has a substantial drug debt to repay and I have no doubt Sandra Byrne will continue with drug activities.” 

Diane Hallahan, solicitor, said the seized material had yet to be forensically examined. Det. Garda O’Keeffe said she was satisfied from the appearance and packaging that what was seized was diamorphine.

Ms Hallahan said the defendant would abide by any bail conditions required of her if granted. Judge David Waters refused bail and remanded her in custody until September 10.