A 41-year-old Carlow man has been charged with the importation of cannabis with a street value of €5.95 million through Rosslare Port.
Mr David William Passmore, Castlehill Centre, Co Carlow, appeared on four separate charges before Judge Gerard Furlong at a special sitting of Enniscorthy District Court on Saturday night.
He was charged with the importation of 850 kilos of cannabis resin with a street value of €5.95 million, at Balligillane Little, Rosslare Harbour, on September 30th, 2004.
Garda Leonard Casey gave evidence of arrest and charging the defendant at Wexford Garda Station on Saturday last.
Garda Casey said that the accused said "no reply" to each charge.
Mr Adrian Crosbie, Customs Officer, gave evidence of arresting the defendant on September 30th and with also charging him with the importation of cannabis resin and knowingly dealing in cannabis resin.
Insp Pat McDonald said his application was for a remand in custody to Cloverhill District Court on October 8th next.
Mr Eric Furlong, for the defendant, made an application for free legal aid.
The accused, he said, was not in a position to finance his own defence.
Judge Furlong said that while he agreed with the gravity and serious of the offence he would reserve his position on the application for free legal aid, so that he could provide a full statement of means.
Judge Furlong remanded the accused in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on October 8th.