Security was tight at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday where two men appeared after the seizure of a cache of high-powered weapons, including Uzi sub-machine guns and rocket launchers.
Glen Geasley (26), Inishmore Drive, Ballincollig, Co Cork, and Seán Callinan (20), Pearse Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly, appeared before the court on different charges connected with the arms haul.
Mr Geasley is charged that between February 22nd and April 20th, he conspired to commit crime through the possession of 24 weapons which would enable any other person to endanger life.
Mr Callinan is charged with attempting to possess the same 24 weapons at the Hotel Ibis at Dunkettle, Glanmire, Co Cork, on April 20th.
The men were arrested following a lengthy undercover operation involving more than 100 detectives investigating the importation of illegal weapons.
The haul of weapons included two RPG-7 rocket launchers, five AK-47 assault rifles, two Uzi sub-machine guns and several semi-automatic pistols and rifles.
Judge Patrick Moran yesterday remanded the defendants to appear again before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on November 15th for the setting of a date for trial.
More than 200 witnesses are expected to be called in the trial, which the court was told would take place next year.