01-07-2025
Seven to go on trial for conspiracy to import drugs after arrests in Kerry and Clare
Seven men will go on trial at the Special Criminal Court charged with conspiracy to smuggle drugs into Ireland after they were arrested on board ships in Kerry and Clare.
State solicitor Ciara Vibien on Tuesday told the three-judge, non-jury court that the men were sent forward from Tralee District Court on June 18 last, each charged with a single count of conspiracy.
Ms Vibien successfully applied to have them tried at the Special Criminal Court, where they will appear on Wednesday, July 9. All seven are in custody.
The accused men are Gary Monks, aged 40, of Amulree Place, Glasgow, Scotland; Ryan Watson, aged 31, of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow; Conor Costello, aged 31, of Earhart Park, Madamsbank Rd, Derry; Miljan Koprivica, aged 45, of Bollin Drive, Manchester.
Three Filipino men are also charged: Hanz Pangahin, aged 36, Christopher Ampo, aged 44, and Feljon Lao, aged 62.
The single count against each accused alleges that they conspired with one another and unknown others on dates between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025, both dates inclusive, within and outside the State, to import controlled drugs worth in excess of €13,000.
The alleged offence is contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended.
