British man appears in court charged over €3.2m cannabis seizure in Louth

Tom Tuite

A UK national has been remanded in custody after being charged in connection with a seizure of €3.2 million cannabis seizure in Co Louth four years ago.

Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau officers intercepted a commercial haulage vehicle in Ballymascanlon, Dundalk on October 29th, 2019. Following a search, cannabis was allegedly recovered among a load of fresh vegetables.

Jonathan Doran (61), of Eyton Road, Telford, Shropshire, England, was arrested at Dublin Airport on Friday night after a warrant was issued previously.

Gardaí brought him to Ballymun Garda station and charged him with unlawful possession of cannabis, possessing it with intent to supply, and having drugs worth €13,000 or more at Ballymascanlon, Dundalk on the date of the seizure.

He was held overnight pending his appearance before Judge William Aylmer at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Detective Garda Fiona Connaughton told Judge Aylmer that the accused "made no reply to each charge".

Defence barrister Kevin McCrave told the court: "Mr Doran is going to reserve his position in relation to a bail application."

Judge Aylmer remanded the accused in custody to appear via video link at Dundalk District Court on Wednesday.

Mr Doran did not address the court and is yet to indicate a plea.

Mr McCrave gave the court a statement of his client's means, and the judge granted legal aid.

There was no objection.