The state could again face an ultimatum from a Tralee District Court judge over the delay in progressing a case of an alleged meth producer in Killarney.
Anna Entrambasaguas, a mother-of-one in her 40s, of Knocknasartnett, Killarney, is alleged to have had all the items for a meth lab in her home.
Gardaí have told the court they suspect she is heavily involved in the production of meth in this country, and she faces a charge of the possession of crystal meth for sale or supply.
Ms Entrambasaguas was first charged in early November last year, and was eventually granted bail in the High Court in May.
She had been refused bail on three previous occasions, and after she had spent six months in custody on remand, Judge David Waters marked the case peremptory against the state.
This meant the state would have to progress the case or face it being struck out, and Ms Entrambasaguas walking free.
In the High Court in May, the state did not oppose bail to avoid the case being struck out, as DPP directions still were not available six months after she had been charged.
The mother-of-one has been on bail for the last two months, and her case again came before Tralee District Court recently.
Sergeant Chris Manton said directions from the DPP were still not available.
In explaining the delay, Sgt Manton said he had checked with the investigation team and further analysis was still awaited on some chemicals that were seized from her home, which were submitted to Forensic Science Ireland in February.
The court previously heard that the army had to come to Killarney to conduct testing on substances found in Ms Entrambasaguas’ shed to make sure they were safe to transport, as it was unclear what the substances were.
Judge Waters said he will consider marking the case peremptory again the next time he hears it, and Sergeant Manton replied he could not oppose any such application if it arises.
Judge Waters remanded her on continuing bail to September, for DPP directions.
