Book of evidence served on man in relation to €2.1m Cork drug haul

A book of evidence was served on a 59-year-old man on drugs charges arising out of the investigation of a €2.1m drug seizure at Ringaskiddy last July.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis confirmed that the book of evidence had been served on solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher, who appeared in Cork District Court on behalf of Robert Slivar. 

The defendant appeared by video link from prison. Judge John King sent the case forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on March 4.

Detective Garda Rory Fogarty charged Robert Slivar, of no fixed abode, but formerly of Ivanic in Croatia, with charges including one count of having drugs for sale or supply at a time when the value exceeded €13,000 — the threshold figure for a minimum sentence of 10 years unless there are exceptional circumstances.

It follows an investigation where it was alleged that there was a seizure of 93 packages of herbal cannabis with a weight of 107kg.

Mr Slivar, who travelled to Cork by ferry from Zeebrugge in Belgium on July 27, was already charged with cannabis possession and having the cannabis for sale or supply at the Port of Cork, Ringaskiddy, on that date.

Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said the accused had been remanded in custody since the beginning of August and, in the meantime, had to have part of his ear surgically removed.

The solicitor asked for free legal aid to be extended for the translation of the book of evidence into Croatian.