A man has appeared at Cork District Court charged in connection with the seizure of cocaine with a street value of €200,000.
The court yesterday heard that Michael Olawepo (32), a Nigerian with an address at Careystown Wood, Whitegate, Co Cork, was arrested outside a premises in an industrial estate at Ballytrasna Little Island, Cork, at 8am on Monday.
He was detained at Cobh Garda station.
Garda Joe O'Shaughnessy gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning Mr Olawepo at 8pm on Monday.
He said the married father of two made no reply when he was charged with two counts of possession of cocaine for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulation 1988.
Mr Olawepo's solicitor Eugene Carey applied for free legal aid, saying his client was currently in receipt of social welfare assistance. He requested bail, saying Mr Olawepo was a long-term resident in Ireland having moved here six years ago.
Insp Pat Cadigan opposed bail because Mr Olawepo was found to be in possession of two passports. Efforts are under way to contact the Nigerian embassy in an effort to check the authenticity of the passports.
Insp Cadigan said gardaí were also awaiting further direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the possibility of Mr Olawepo facing more serious charges.
Judge Tim Lucey granted legal aid in the case. Mr Carey agreed to defer the bail application pending the outcome of inquiries in relation to Mr Olawepo's passports.
He was remanded in custody by Judge Lucey to appear before Cork District Court again on August 28th.