Three accused in relation to seizure of over €4m worth of cocaine in Cork are remanded in custody

THREE men who appeared in court yesterday via video link from prison following last month’s seizure of over €4m worth of cocaine in Dunkettle were remanded in custody until October 2.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said directions were awaited from the DPP. Judge Olann Kelleher remanded all three accused in custody at Cork District Court.

Gentjan Dodaj, aged 39, and Donatel Dodaj, aged 22, who are brothers with an address at Paradise Rd, Athlone, Co Westmeath, were represented by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly. Daniel Afedoaei, of Slí an Aifreann in Athlone, who is also aged 22, was represented by barrister Cliodhna Buckley.

The three accused were told that if they succeeded in an appeal for bail at the High Court, having previously been refused at the District Court, then they would be required to appear in Cork District Court in person on October 3.

All three are charged with possession of cocaine, and having cocaine for sale or supply on Sunday, August 6, at L2998 in Richmond, Dunkettle, Co Cork.

The seizure occurred following an intelligence-led operation targeting persons suspected of involvement with organised crime, a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue Customs Service. Revenue officers seized approximately 60kg of cocaine with an estimated value of €4.2m.

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