Dublin man remanded over alleged €4.2m cannabis seizure in Co Clare

Gordon Deegan

A 40-year-old Dublin man has appeared in court in connection with an estimated €4.2 million cannabis drug seizure on the outskirts of Shannon on Tuesday.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, James Lawlor of Killininny House, Firhouse, Dublin 24 appeared after being charged with two drug-related offences arising from the alleged cannabis seizure at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon, on May 26th.

The 210kg cannabis seizure was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Clare Divisional Drug Unit and Revenue’s Customs Service.

In evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Eoin Healy of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he arrested Lawlor for the purpose of charge at 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon at Shannon Garda Station.

Lawlor is charged with having cannabis at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon on May 26th for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Lawlor is also charged with having cannabis in his possession at the same location on the same date, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

The court heard that Lawlor made no reply when cautioned on the Section 3 Misuse of Drugs charge and replied "guilty as charged" in reply to the Section 15 Misuse of Drugs charge.

Solicitor Shíofra Hassett told the court that there is no application for bail for Lawlor.

Hassett said Lawlor is a suitable candidate for legal aid.

Hassett told the court that she was stepping in to act on Kenny's behalf in the case on Wednesday.

Sergeant Frank O’Grady told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are not yet available in the case.

Judge Adrian Harris remanded Lawlor in custody to appear via video-link from prison at Ennis District Court on June 3rd.