A 40-year old Dublin man today appeared in court in connection with an estimated €4.2 million cannabis drug seizure on the outskirts of Shannon on Tuesday.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday afternoon, James Lawlor of Killininny House, Firhouse, Dublin 24 appeared after being charged with two drug related offences arising from the alleged cannabis seizure at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon on May 26th.
The seizure of the 210 kgs of cannabis was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the Clare Divisional Drug Unit and Revenue’s Customs Service.
In evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Eoin McCabe of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he arrested Mr Lawlor for the purpose of charge at 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon at Shannon Garda Station.
Mr Lawlor is charged with having cannabis at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon on May 26th for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Mr Lawlor is also charged with having in his possession cannabis at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Garda McCabe said that Mr Lawlor made no reply when cautioned on the Section 3 Misuse of Drugs charge and replied ‘guilty as charged’ in reply to the Section 15 Misuse of Drugs charge.
Solicitor, Shíofra Hassett told the court that there is no application for bail for Mr Lawlor.
Ms Hassett said that Mr Lawlor is a suitable candidate for legal aid and asked that the legal aid be for solicitor Matthew Kenny to represent Mr Lawlor.
Ms Hassett told the court that she was stepping in to act on behalf of Mr Kenny in the case today.
Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are not yet available in the case.
Judge Adrian Harris remanded Mr Lawlor in custody to appear via video-link from prison at Ennis District Court on June 3rd next.
