Man accused of money laundering and having cannabis at apartment in Cork city

A man was arrested on counts of having thousands of euro worth of cannabis and thousands in cash in Cork city at the weekend, and gardaí objected to bail being granted to him yesterday.

Garda Elaine Gallery arrested Igor Auila Silva, aged 25, with an address at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork.

He was charged with two counts of money laundering, specifically that on January 3 at an apartment at St Patrick’s Hill, Cork, he had €6,201 in cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct, and that on January 4 at a room at North Quay Place, Pope’s Quay, Cork, he had €3,391 cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct.

He was further charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act on counts, including having cannabis resin for sale or supply on January 3, at an apartment at St Patrick’s Hill.

Gda Gallery said: “The nature of the evidence is strong. Following a search of the accused on January 3, €11,220 in suspected cannabis herb and €280 of cannabis resin were located, along with weighing scales, bagging equipment, and €6,201 in cash.

“A quantity of additional suspected controlled drugs were also located, but will be subject to forensic examination.

“Another address associated with Mr Silva was searched on January 4, and €3,931 cash and suspected drugs were found. Given the serious nature of the incident, I do not believe Mr Silva will make an appearance in court if granted bail. He made several attempts to mislead gardaí in relation to his address, date of birth, and full name.”

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused was in Ireland on a Brazilian passport from December 3, 2021, he was working here in a number of jobs, and he has no previous convictions.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody until January 13 and directed the presence of a Portuguese interpreter on that occasion at Cork District Court.