The garda file arising from a huge investigation into an alleged conspiracy to import drugs off the Kerry coast is almost finished.
Seven men facing charges relating to this investigation appeared again at Tralee District Court this morning.
During this morning’s sittings, Judge David Waters again refused applications from three solicitors representing the men to either have the cases marked peremptory or be struck out.
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 of Moodiesburn, Glasgow, 40-year-old Gary Monks of Amulree Place, Glasgow, 30-year-old Conor Costello of Madam’s Bank Road, Derry, and 45-year-old Miljan Koprivica of Bollin Drive, Manchester.
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.
Through an interpreter, the three men were told that DPP directions and the book of evidence are not yet available, but the garda investigation file is almost complete.
Their solicitor Pádraig O’Connell asked that their cases be marked peremptory, meaning the cases would be struck out if the book of evidence was not served on their next appearance in court.
Sergeant Chris Manton said this was a huge investigation with multiple avenues of allegations, including extensive mobile phone data.
Representing Mr Costello, solicitor Brendan Ahern also asked for his case to be marked peremptory, and Mr Ahern made the same applications on behalf of the solicitor for Mr Watson and Mr Monks.
Representing Mr Koprivica, solicitor Pat Mann said he’s again applying to have the matter struck out, as his client has been waiting far too long in custody on this matter alone.
For all seven men, Judge David Waters said it’s premature to mark these cases peremptory or strike them out, as it’s an extremely complicated investigation.
He refused the solicitors’ applications due to the seriousness of the charges, the length of time spent in custody, and the fact the garda file is almost complete.
All seven were remanded in continuing custody to 16 April.
