Heavy garda presence as seven sent forward to non-jury court on drug conspiracy charges
There was a strong garda presence at Tralee District Court
All seven are facing the same charge that is they conspired with each other inside and outside the State to import drugs valued at more than €13,000 to the State between December 18, 2024 and January 15, 2025.
The charges and trial are a result of an operation involving the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit and and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. All seven were arrested on board ships in Kerry and Clare earlier this year.
They all appeared before Tralee District Court on Wednesday for the book of evidence to be be served and now all seven will face trial at the Special Criminal Court. Read more Prisoner suffers scald injuries to face after attack by inmate, court told
State solicitor Diane Reidy, told Tralee District Court the DPP had consented for each defendant to be sent to a special sitting of a Special Criminal Court.
Three of the men are Filipinos and they appeared before Tralee District Court this morning, Wednesday, June 17.
Hanz Panaghin, who is represented by Darragh Hassett, was granted legal aid and the court heard there was no application for bail. Mr Panaghin has been in custody since January of this year, the court heard.
Conor Costello at Killarney District Court following his arrest. Photo by Tatyana McGough.
Christopher Ampo is also represented by Mr Hassett and he was also granted legal aid.
Feljon Lao, also a Filipino, and who is represented by solicitor Padraig O'Connell, has also been sent forward for trial. Mr O'Connell said he would not be applying for bail as it could not be done in the District Court and he indicated his client would not be pleading guilty.
The book of evidence is to be translated to Filipino for all three defendants, the court was told.
Gary Monks who is originally from Amulree Place, Glasgow, is also facing the same charge and has been sent forward for trial. He was represented by Barrister Conall Towe.
Ryan Watson, with an address formerly of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow was also granted legal aid. Solicitor Brendan Ahern represented him for this court appearance on behalf of solicitor Simon Fleming.
Feljon Lao at Killarney courthouse following his arrrest. Photo by Tatyana McGough
Miljan Koprivica, formerly of Bolin Drive, Manchester is represented by solicitor Pat Mann and has also been granted legal aid.
Conor Costello formerly of Earhart Part, Madamsbank Road, Derry, Northern Ireland has also been sent forward for trial. He was also represented by solicitor Brendan Ahern on behalf of Mr Fleming.
Judge David Waters, having heard the DPP directions, and legal aid applications sent all seven men forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court.
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