TWO MEN have been remanded in custody after they were charged in connection with a drug seizure estimated at being worth at least €5 million.
Seán O’Donovan (45) and Richard Deutschenbaur (56) were both charged with two offences in connection with the seizure of 80 kilos of cocaine by gardaí and customs at Bartlemy in North Cork.
Mr O’Donovan with an address at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy, was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy, on October 13th.
Mr Deutschenbaur, a German national, with an address at Stora Slatlovagen, 8, 44195, Alinggas, Sweden, was also charged with the same two offences at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy, on the same date.
Det Sgt Seán Leahy of Fermoy Garda Station told the special sitting of Fermoy District Court on Saturday that Mr Deutschenbaur made no reply to the charges when they were put to him after caution.
Det Garda Damian O’Farrell of the Garda National Drugs Unit gave similar evidence in respect of Mr O’Donovan, saying that he too made no reply to the two charges after caution.
Insp Tony O’Sullivan said gardaí were objecting to bail but Ken Murray, solicitor for both men, said his clients were reserving their position on bail and making no application for the moment.
Judge Olann Kelleher noted Mr Murray’s position on bail and remanded both accused in custody to appear again at Fermoy District Court next Friday.
Mr Murray also asked Judge Kelleher to note that Mr Deutschenbaur is in remission from a brain tumour which requires scanning every six months and asked that his medical needs be attended to in custody.
Neither Mr Deutschenbaur nor Mr O’Donovan, who had a large bandage on his left cheek, spoke during the eight-minute hearing other than to confirm their identities.
Meanwhile, three other men arrested by gardaí investigating the Bartlemy seizure were released without charge on Saturday and files on their involvement will be prepared for the DPP.