Man arrested after cannabis and cash found in Cork house remanded in custody 

A bag containing cannabis and €4,900 in cash was discovered by gardaí during a search of a room at Old Blackrock Road in Cork, and now a man who was arrested at the time has been remanded in custody.

Garda Diarmuid Murphy objected to bail being granted to Rokib Lahadyo (28), at Cork District Court. 

Solicitor Eddie Burke suggested it was a suitable case for bail and stressed that there was no money-laundering charge against the accused.

However, Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until September 19.

The defendant is charged with possession of cannabis and having the drug for sale or supply at a room where he was staying at Rockboro Avenue, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, on September 11.

Garda Murphy testified that during a search under warrant the bag containing cannabis was found, and within it a smaller bag containing €4,900 was found together with his passport.

Mr Burke solicitor said the accused was working and that the cash represented savings.

Cross-examined by Sergeant John Kelleher, Mr Lahadyo admitted that his work pay would go directly into his account rather than coming to him in cash.

Judge Dorgan asked about the valuation of the cannabis and was told that it had a street value of €250.

The defendant said during his bail application: “I am not drug-taking or drug-dealing. I have not had cannabis since April 1. I would take a urine test – there are no drugs in my system.” 

In refusing bail, judge Dorgan said: “Effectively, gardaí executed a warrant that would have been obtained on sworn information. Evidence is very, very strong. A significant sum in cash was found with the cannabis. I have heard he was caught red-handed.” 

The judge then refused bail.