Four accused in drugs case plan to seek High Court bail

FOUR Spanish nationals accused of conspiring to import drugs into Ireland indicated today that they would be applying to be released on High Court bail.

The four men appeared by video link from Cork Prison and their solicitors indicated at Cork District Court that High Court bail applications would be made.

Each man is accused of conspiring with nine others to import drugs.

The charge in each case states, “that you (defendant’s name) on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the state, did conspire with one or more persons, namely (nine other names) to do an act in the state that constitutes a serious offence, namely the importation of controlled drugs in excess of €13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2023.”

Angel Serran Padilla, 39, of Malaga, Spain, and Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, 35, of Cadiz, Spain, appeared together from prison and an interpreter in court translated proceedings. Mr Eddie Burke said bail applications would be made at the High Court in Dublin. In the meantime there was consent to a remand in custody until April 10 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Mary Dorgan told them that if they secured bail in the High Court they would be obliged to attend Cork District Court in person on the adjourned date.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said his two clients were consenting to a remand in custody until April 16. He said they were making applications for bail at the High Court. Judge Dorgan also told them of their obligations to attend if given bail. These two men — 48-year-old Raul Garcia Tabares of Cadiz, Spain, and 41-year-old Anuar Rahui of Malaga, Spain, indicated that they accepted this.

Co-defendants of these four accused have appeared before other courts in County Cork. The appearances followed the arrest of 10 men and the seizure of a jeep, a camper van, articulated truck, and rigid inflatable boat as part of a major investigation earlier this month.