'Senior figure in Cork drugs trade' gets conditional bail on cocaine charges

 A “senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork city and across the south of Ireland” was described as being in fear for his life due to a €300,000 drug debt and was today charged with having €80,000 worth of cocaine at his home in Passage West.

Detective Garda Bryan English of Togher Drugs Unit arrested 54-year-old Ian Hanlon of Maulbawn, Passage West, County Cork, and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18.

Det Garda English objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the alleged offence and concerns he would carry out more drugs offences if released.

Det Garda English testified at Cork District Court that officers of Togher Drugs Unit arrived at the defendant’s home on Sunday, May 18.

“Gardaí arrived at the property with a warrant. No persons were present. Gardaí made contact with Ian Hanlon (by phone) and invited him to return home and he said he would. A considerable amount of time was given for him to do so.

“When gardaí contacted him again to say they had entered the house without him and had breached it, his phone was turned off.

“Subject to analysis, cocaine with a value of €80,000 was found at his home. Mixing agent was also found, along with a tick list with names and large amount of money (noted).

“At interview he said he has a debt of €300,000 and is now at a loss for the drugs on top of that. 

"He is believed to be at the higher level of the drugs trade across Cork city and the southern region of Ireland.

“I believe he is a flight risk. He has shown he is capable of evading gardaí. He says he is in fear for his life because of his outstanding drug debt.

“He has no addictions. He is purely dealing for financial reasons and to pay off a drugs debt,” Det Garda English said.

Defending barrister Mahon Corkery said, in cross-examination of the detective, that there was “no evidence of a life threat against him or his family”.

He added: “And if he is under threat for a drugs debt, how is he going to mix it up with those people and start dealing again?” 

Ian Hanlon gave evidence in his bail application and Sergeant Gearóid Davis asked him about being in fear for his life. Ian Hanlon said: “Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did. I cannot do it anymore. I have to accept what it is now. I have no intention of doing anything. I am in enough trouble.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail to the accused but with certain conditions, including his own bond of €15,000 cash, residing at his home in Passage West, signing on daily at Anglesea Street garda station, an 11 pm to 7am curfew, surrendering his passport, an independent surety of €10,000, of which €5,000 cash was to be lodged in court, remaining in the jurisdiction, abstaining from intoxicants, not offending, and being contactable at all times on his mobile phone.

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody with consent to that bail until May 29 at Cork District Court.

Ian Hanlon is charged with possession of cocaine at his home on May 18 and having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others.