Two men have appeared before Portlaoise District Court charged in connection with a multi-million euro drugs seizure in Mountmellick, Co Laois on Tuesday.
Robert Wojtanowicz (45), of Manor Grove, Mountmellick, was charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine for his own use and with possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at Laois Motors Services, Manor Street, Mountmellick.
He was also charged with possessing cocaine for his own use and possessing cocaine for sale or for supply at Eaton Close, Rathcoole, Dublin on the same date.
Robert Cup (44), of Marlfield Gardens, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis for his own use and with possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or for supply at Laois Motor Services at Manor Street, Mountmellick.
He was also charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine for his own use and for possessing cocaine and cannabis at Eaton Close, Rathcoole, Dublin. He was also charged with money laundering at the same address in Rathcoole.
Gardaí said a third man arrested in connection to the matter was released without charge.
Det Garda Marie Connolly, from the Dublin Crime Response Team, said Mr Wojtanowicz made no response when arrested, charged and cautioned. Det Niall Mangan said Mr Cup also made no response.
The court was told that some 182kg of cocaine and 4kg of cannabis was seized in Mountmellick, with a further 17kg of cocaine and €25,000 in cash found during a follow-up search in Rathcoole.
The total value of the drugs seized is estimated at more than €14 million.
Brian Nugent BL, for the two accused, said he was applying for bail and free legal aid for his clients. Gardaí objected to both being granted.
Judge John Brennan refused bail and remanded both men to Cloverhill Prison to appear again at Portlaoise District Court by video link on February 13th.
He reserved judgment on granting free legal aid to the next sitting of the case.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
