Cork man remanded in custody over €500,000 cannabis seizure

A Cork man accused in connection with the seizure of more than €500,000 worth of vacuum-packed cannabis has been remanded in custody until August 5.

Daniel Kelleher, aged 24, of 44 Mourne Avenue, The Glen, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court, where Judge David Waters remanded him in custody to sit at the next remand court during the summer court vacation.

Mr Kelleher is charged with possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork, on January 22.

Detective Garda Rory Fogarty, who arrested and charged the accused, objected to bail.

The detective told the court: "He has a significant drugs debt because of this alleged incident.

"Gardaí strongly believe that he will continue to be involved in the criminal enterprise to pay off this debt if granted bail. 

"Evidence gleaned from his mobile phone indicates that he is still involved in the drugs trade and there are conversations observed where he is selling large amounts of cannabis and cocaine.” 

Det Garda Fogarty said that on January 22 gardaí conducting surveillance observed another man enter a house at Imaal Court in The Glen,  retrieve a bag, and place it in the rear of a Volkswagen Golf.

The court heard that gardaí followed the vehicle to the North Monastery Road, where it was stopped and searched.

Det Garda Fogarty said cannabis with an estimated street value of €62,000 was discovered in the car.

He said surveillance was then maintained on the house at Imaal Court.

“Gardaí observed Daniel Kelleher arrive at Imaal Court, driving a Volkswagen Passat. He entered the Imaal Court address and was observed returning out shortly after with another person, who was carrying a cardboard box, Daniel Kelleher then sits into the driver's seat of this vehicle and transports the box to Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork.

“Gardaí observed cardboard boxes being removed and placed into a Grey Toyota Auris that is parked in the driveway of the address. 

"Daniel Kelleher then leaves this address and travels back towards Immal Court.

“A short time later, gardaí again observe Daniel Kelleher travelling towards Arderrin Way. In the passenger seat was another cardboard box, containing what appeared to be vacuum packed packaging. 

"He is then seen leaving Arderrin Way. A search warrant is obtained for that property.

“During the search, the Toyota Auris parked in the front of the property, was a rubbish bag, containing 273 kilograms of cannabis with a street value of €546,000 inside this vehicle. 

"A certificate of analysis from Forensic Science Ireland has since been received documenting the weight of the cannabis seized.”