A 32-year old man has been remanded in custody in connection with the seizure by gardaí of cannabis plants worth an estimated €280,000 at a rural house in Galway.
Lim Chun Wan, with an address at Corbally South, Cummer, Tuam, Co Galway, was remanded in custody when he appeared before a special sitting of Galway District Court yesterday morning.
Judge Gerard Furlong was told by Insp Michael Coppinger that gardaí had been unable to positively identify the defendant and were not sure whether he was from China or Malaysia.
Insp Coppinger objected to bail because they could not positively identify the defendant and believed him to be a flight risk.
Garda Noel McNulty said Chun Wan made no reply when charged. Chun Wan, who is unemployed, is charged with possession of cannabis, cultivating cannabis plants, and possession of a controlled drug for the purpose of selling or supplying at Corbally South, Cummer, Tuam, Co Galway.
Garda McNulty said Chun Wan had been in Ireland since August and may have lived or worked in Dublin, Trim in Co Meath and Cork.
Defence solicitor Adrian Mac Lynn made an application for bail but the judge, who granted Chun Wan free legal aid, said it could not be dealt with until the defendant’s identity was confirmed.
He remanded Chun Wan in custody to appear before Harristown District Court next Friday.