One of two men charged with possession of cannabis resin worth £2.7 million was released on bail at a special sitting of Kells District Court yesterday afternoon.
The drugs were seized by gardai from the National Drugs Unit near Trim, Co Meath, last weekend after a surveillance operation.
Earlier this week Mr Kenneth Tunstead (32), Brookhaven Lawn, Blanchardstown, Dublin, and Mr Ray Smyth (35), Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath, Co Meath, were both charged with possession of the drugs and possession with intent to supply to others at Tullaghmedan, Drumree, Co Meath, on July 26th.
At a special sitting of Kells District Court last Tuesday night they were remanded in custody to yesterday's court. Judge John Brophy set bail on their own bonds of £5,000 and with an independent surety of £50,000 or £25,000 cash. In court yesterday Mr Tunstead was remanded in custody to appear in Kells District Court on August 14th at 3 p.m.
Mr Pat Rogers, counsel for Mr Smyth, said that a bailsperson was in court for his client. Mr James Smyth, father of the defendant, handed the District Court clerk a bank draft for £25,000. The defendant also lodged £5,000and was released. He is to appear in Kells District Court on October 22nd.