A 55-year-old father of seven has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with a €50,000 drug seizure by gardaí in a field on the outskirts of Cork city on Friday night.
John Heaphy, Kerryhall Road, Fairhill in Cork, was charged at a special court sitting of Cork District Court on Saturday night in connection with the seizure of 5,000 ecstasy tablets at Rathpeacon near the Old Mallow Road on the northern fringes of Cork city.
He was charged with possessing ecstasy contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and possessing ecstasy for sale or supply contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act at Rathpeacon on December 14th.
Det Gda Declan Keane gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Heaphy replied "no comment" to both charges when they were put to him after caution outside Mayfield Garda station.
Insp Ger O'Mahony said gardaí were objecting to bail and Det Gda Keane outlined garda objections to bail including the seriousness of the charge, the likelihood of a severe sentence if convicted and garda concerns that he would commit further offences if granted bail.
Judge David Riordan said he was convinced by Det Gda Keane's testimony about Mr Heaphy committing further offences if granted bail and he remanded him in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on December 18th.
Solicitor Emmet Boyle applied for free legal for Mr Heaphy who told the court that he is on disability and has no savings or property and Judge Riordan ordered him to complete a declaration of means which can be considered by the court when he appears again on December 18th.