Three men have appeared at a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court to face charges in connection with €1.5 million worth of drugs.
Portlaoise men John Troy (30), Ballyknocken, Pádraig Lewis (30), Rossvale and Gerard Daly (24), Woodgrove, were all charged with one count each of having drugs for sale or supply under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. All three were arrested on Saturday morning, while a fourth man was released. A file is being sent to the DPP in his case.
Garda Insp Liam Delaney told the court that gardaí were objecting to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick, who represented Mr Daly and Mr Troy, said the men would comply with any conditions requested by gardaí.
Judge Ger Furlong consented to bail but said the defendants must come up with two independent sureties each of €100,000, with €75,000 to be lodged, and their own bond of €150,000 each, a total of €225,000.
Until these conditions are met they have been remanded in custody, to appear in court on Friday.