TWO Filipino seamen who declared that they had no money were remanded in custody to Limerick Prison for one week when they appeared at Ennis District Court yesterday on charges arising out of their part in the alleged importation of cocaine, stated earlier to be valued at up to £40 million. They were granted free legal aid by Judge John Neilan and are to appear at Ennis Court next Monday.
Before the court were Mr Danilo Area (45), a pump operator with an address at Luna Street, Naic Cavite, and Mr Ronaldo C. Fernandez (31), Golden Street, Anastaccia Village, Marikina, both in the Philippines.
Each was charged with unlawfully importing cocaine, a controlled drug, under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Both defendants arrived Is minutes before the court was due to sit, handcuffed together and accompanied by two gardai. They were dressed in blue jeans and T-shirts and had their heads covered with sweatshirts, which they removed on entering the court.
The two men were said to be members of the crew of the Front Guider, a Colombian vessel which arrived with coal for the ESB power station at Moneypoint last Wednesday.
Det Garda David McInerney, of the Garda National Drug Unit, said that at 10.52 p.m. on Sunday he arrested Mr Fernandez outside Ennis Garda Station. He added that the defendant had a good command of English and had no difficulty in understanding his position.
Mr Fernandez was not legally represented. When questioned by the judge, he replied. "I have no money." He said he would like to be represnted by a solicitor. Ms Isabel Stokes, solicitor, was then appointed to represent him.
Sgt Kevin Moynihan, of the Clare Garda Division Drugs Section, said he arrested Mr Area at 10.57 p.m. outside Ennis Garda Station. He had made no reply when arrested. Mr John Shaw, solicitor, was appointed to represent him.
Garda Supt Gerry Kelly, of Kilrush, asked for a remand in custody to the District Court in Ennis next Monday. He objected to bail because of the seriousness of the charges. The two defendants had been caught "practically with the drugs in their possession". Neither had any connection with Ireland, nor had they been here before. He felt they would not turn up for a court hearing if granted bail.
Mr Shaw said that his client was based on the ship and his passport was on board. Judge Neilan asked what would be the position if the ship was to leave before the date of the court hearing. He remanded both defendants to Limerick Prison and said he would consider bail next week.
Initially, there seemed to be some difficulty with Mr Fernndez understanding the caution from the judge, but when the amplifier was turned on it was said there did not appear to be any problem. The judge advised that an interpreter should be available to the court on any future appearances.
Both men were described as married with four children.