An Algerian national was found with a large quantity of stolen travellers cheques only minutes before he was due to leave the State, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been told.
The cheques were allegedly linked to the robbery of a travel agency in England.
Mr Abdul Madrid Laiche (34), of Farrad Avenue, Woodgreen, London, pleaded not guilty to handling the stolen travellers cheques and to having knowledge of their intended use at Dublin Airport on April 16th, 1997.
Garda John Gallagher told Mr Conor Devally, prosecuting, he boarded an aircraft on the runway of Dublin Airport following the receipt of certain information. Mr Laiche agreed to leave the aircraft and a large number of travellers cheques were later found under his seat on the aircraft.
The trial continues before Judge Dominic Lynch and a jury.