Three men charged in connection with a major drugs haul in Galway city last Tuesday were remanded in custody following their appearance before a special court sitting in Galway yesterday.
Mr Luke Tyrrell (22), a student, Gleann na Coille, Barna, Co Galway, along with taxi-driver Mr Óisín Maher (49) and Mr Frank Phillips (51), both with an address in Brecan Close, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, are charged with having 48 kg of cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of €330,000 to €500,000, at Cé na Mara carpark, New Docks, Galway, on January 25th.
They are further charged with having the drugs for sale or supply to others on the same occasion, contrary to Sections 15 and 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.
Insp Tony O'Donnell objected to bail applications made by defence solicitors, Ms Olivia Traynor and Ms Valerie Corcoran, on behalf of the accused men.
Owing to the seriousness of the charges, Judge Mary Fahy said she was remanding all three in custody to appear before Harristown District Court next Friday.
The judge extended the detention of a fourth man, who is still being questioned by gardaí in connection with the incident, for a further 72 hours.
A young woman, who had also been detained and questioned, was released from Garda custody without charge earlier.