Truck driver charged in connection with €2.1 million drug seizure in Cork needs urgent medical care, court hears

A 59-year-old truck driver charged in connection with a €2.1 million drug seizure in Cork has been experiencing “constant pain” in one of his ears since he entered custody in early August and requires “urgent medical care” a court has heard.

A Croatian interpreter was required at Cork District Court today for Robert Slivar who first appeared in court on August 3 charged with two offences. 

The alleged offences relate to the seizure of 93 packages of herbal cannabis with a weight of 107kg.

Mr Slivar, formerly of Ivanic in Croatia, was charged with cannabis possession and possession of cannabis for sale or supply at the Port of Cork, Ringaskiddy, on July 27 last. 

The alleged offence is contrary to section 3 and section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Today at Cork District Court defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said that his client has been suffering from “serious medical difficulties".

 “He is being attended to by doctors but is in constant pain with his ear. It has been a problem from the get go and he has been on numerous occasions. I ask that it would be noted that he needs urgent medical care with his ear problem.” 

Sgt Gearoid Davis said that DPP directions are awaited in the case. Mr Kelleher said that his client wasn’t consenting to a remand of “beyond two weeks".

Judge Brendan O’Reilly said that this "was his right".

Mr Slivar was present in court for the brief hearing. However, he was not required to speak during the hearing. He will be produced in person again when he is next before the court. A production order is in place arising out of his complete lack of English and the need for the legalities to be translated by an interpreter. Mr Kelleher previously said that his client maintains that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

Gardaí previously objected to bail in the case citing the strength of evidence and the seriousness of the charge facing the accused. 

Det Garda Ryan Dillon said that Mr Slivar made no reply when the charge was put to him to under caution.