A 78-year-old man has appeared in court in connection with the seizure of MDMA worth an estimated €320,000 at Busáras in Dublin.
Five and a half kilos of the drug were found stashed in boxes of pottery and toys after a Bus Éireann coach arrived in the city centre on Monday, Dublin District Court heard.
Peter Lam, from Lisburn Road, Belfast, was arrested while he allegedly retrieved boxes from a storage compartment.
He appeared at Dublin District Court on Wednesday charged with possessing drugs for sale or supply.
Garda Kieran Stapleton said Mr Lam replied “I have nothing to say” when charged.
He objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case.
The garda estimated that the MDMA was worth €320,000, and added that there was a possibility of further charges.
Garda Stapleton alleged Mr Lam travelled on Bus Éireann from Northern Ireland with boxes stored in the undercarriage.
A significant quantity of white power was found in pottery and under padding and children’s toys. It has been confirmed to contain MDMA, he said.
He told Judge Bryan Smyth the accused was a Chinese citizen and lived outside the jurisdiction.
Defence solicitor Michael French said his client denied all knowledge of the drugs. He said his client was a UK citizen who had lived in Belfast for 60 years.
The solicitor submitted that his client would be vulnerable in custody due to his age, and he had been on medication.
He argued that the case would likely go to the Circuit Court, where the trial may not be heard for another two or three years. He added that an address could be found in the jurisdiction, and he would obey bail terms.
Judge Smyth set bail in Mr Lam’s bond of €1, 000 and required a €20,000 deposit to be approved.
He remanded him in custody with consent to bail to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Wednesday. Legal aid was granted.