Member of Defence Forces appears in court charged in connection with alleged seizure of cocaine in Cork

A member of the Irish Defence Forces appeared at Cork District Court today charged in connection with the alleged seizure of more than €25,000 of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork.

Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, County Cork, was represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer.

As soon as the case – relating to alleged offences on March 27 – was called in Courtroom 1 today, Mr Buttimer said, “This is a case for DPP directions. It is fairly recent.” 

Sergeant John Kelleher said he was looking for more time to get directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Drugs cases often require a lengthy adjournment to allow time for forensic analysis of the items seized.

Sgt. Kelleher applied for an adjournment until November 11. Mr Buttimer said that was fine.

The case was adjourned by Judge Mary Dorgan until that date.

When the case was first before Cork District Court there was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail on condition that he would surrender his passport and not apply for a new one or any travel documents, provide a phone number at which gardaí can contact him at all times and sign on at Cobh garda station three times a week.

34-year-old Shane Scanlon is charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, at Old Youghal Road in Cork for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another on March 27. 

He is also charged with having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use at Old Youghal Road on March 27. 

Both charges are brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act.