Detectives interrogating a man suspected of organising a £3 million drug consignment were allowed another three days' detention yesterday. Chief Supt Kevin Carthy was granted the extension at Dublin District Court to hold a 39-yearold man, originally from north Dublin.
He told Judge Thelma King that gardai were satisfied this man was the "Mr Big" behind the consignment of 300kg of cannabis resin seized in Tallaght last week.
This suspect had given an English address but detectives believed he was living in the Netherlands and several premises there were being investigated.
A lorry had been seized in Tallaght and was being examined by technical experts. Loaded weapons, stolen vehicles and phones allocated to fictitious names had also been found.
Supt Carthy added investigations continued into how the drugs came to be concealed in potted plants.
Defence solicitor, Mr Michael Hanahoe, objected to the extension, saying the defendant had already been held for 48 hours and five other suspects had been released by court order. There was nothing to be gained by holding this man in custody, he said.
But Judge King granted the extension saying she was satisfied inquiries were being carried out "expeditiously". But she granted an application by Mr Hanahoe that the suspect be given full facilities for sleep.
Meanwhile, gardai are seeking warrants to re-arrest three other suspects in the case who were released by court order on a legal technicality last Tuesday.