Two men were yesterday remanded in custody after being charged in Bandon District Court in connection with the discovery of over £100 million worth of cocaine on a catamaran in Kinsale, Co Cork, over the weekend.
A Dublin man, Mr John O'Toole (51), with an address at Via Argentina, Apartment 14, Block C1, Panama City, and a Briton, Mr Michael Tune (38), of Ocean View, San Eugenio, Los Americas, Tenerife, were both charged with four offences.
Both were charged by the DPP with importing cocaine into the State between September 1st and September 4th, and with possessing cocaine at Kinsale Harbour with intent to sell or supply between the same dates.
Det Sgt Sean Healy told the court that Mr O'Toole had nothing to say when he arrested, charged and cautioned him at Bandon Garda station yesterday. Garda Donal McCarthy gave similar evidence in respect of Mr Tune.
Both were also charged by the Revenue Commissioners with knowingly being concerned in importing cocaine into the State and with knowingly dealing in cocaine in Kinsale Harbour.
Higher officer with the Customs and Excise National Drugs Team, Mr Patrick O'Sullivan, said Mr O'Toole replied "not guilty" when charged with both offences. Mr Tune replied "no" when charged.
West Cork State Solicitor, Mr Malachy Boohig, said the State was opposing bail for both men. Their solicitors, Mr Diarmuid O'Shea for Mr O'Toole, and Mr Con Murphy for Mr Tune, consented to their clients being held in custody.
Judge Brendan Wallace remanded both in custody to appear at Clonakilty District Court on Tuesday. He granted the men free legal aid after Mr Boohig told him gardai were satisfied neither had any assets.