Seven men accused of conspiring to import drugs off the Kerry coast will face the charges against them in the state's non-jury criminal court.
The men, who were arrested in Kerry and Clare in January, all appeared before Judge David Waters at Tralee District Court this morning.
The court heard this morning that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that their cases be dealt with in the Special Criminal Court.
Four of the men are charged with conspiring with each other to import drugs worth more than €13,000 into Ireland.
They are 31-year-old Ryan Watson, 40-year-old Gary Monks, both from Glasgow, 30-year-old Conor Costello of Madam’s Bank Road, Derry, and 45-year-old Miljan Koprivica of Bollin Drive, Manchester; all of these men are in custody in Portlaoise Prison.
The other three co-accused are Filipino nationals 29-year-old Feljon Lao, 36-year-old Hanz Pangahin, and 43-year-old Christopher Ampo, and they also face charges of conspiring to import drugs worth more than €13,000; these three men are all being held in Cork Prison on remand.
At Tralee District Court this morning, Sergeant Chris Manton said he has received directions from the DPP, that the matters be dealt with in the Special Criminal Court.
Sergeant Manton said the DPP also consents to the seven accused men being sent forward to the non-jury court for sentencing if they sign guilty pleas.
Sgt Manton sought for the men to be remanded in custody for another two weeks, and Judge Waters asked if it's likely the book of evidence will be ready on that date.
State solicitor Diane Reidy said she may have a draft book ready on that date, but certainly the book will be ready in four weeks.
Judge Waters spoke to each accused via video link to explain this, and each time said that the option of a signed guilty plea is something they should consult with their solicitor about in private.
He explained he is remanding them in custody for two weeks, and on that date he will likely remand them for another two weeks.
On 11 June, they will then be brought to court in person to be served with the book of evidence and sent forward.
Solicitor for Mr Koprivica, Pat Mann, said his understanding was the book of evidence would be ready in two weeks, and he asked that the state stick rigorously to this latest deadline.
Solicitor for the three Filipino men, Pádraig O'Connell, said he will require some disclosure to be able to advise his clients on the option of a signed plea.
He said any documents he receives will also have to be translated.
Ms Reidy said she can facilitate this before the next court appearance on 28th May.
