Probe into alleged conspiracy to import large amount of drugs into Ireland continuing ‘at pace’

Olivia Kelleher

A senior member of the investigation team in the case of an alleged conspiracy to import a huge consignment of drugs in to Ireland earlier this year has said that the probe is continuing “at pace.”

Ten men were arrested in various locations in West Cork last March in connection with the investigation.

The accused, who hail from Ireland, Spain, Serbia and the Netherlands, appeared in various courts in Cork on March 21st.

Anuar Rahui (41) of Malaga in Spain has now appeared before a sitting of Cork District Court in relation to his alleged role in the offence.

Solicitor for Mr Rahui, Aoife Buttimer, asked Sergeant Gearóid Davis what progress had been made in the investigation.

Sgt Davis told Judge John King that it was a “huge investigation” and that Dt Sgt Michael Lyons was in court to give an update on its progress.

Dt Sgt Lyons said that the timeline previously presented to the court “is on schedule.”

“The investigation is continuing at pace. We are continuing to investigate lines of inquiry. We are on schedule for submitting a file to the DPP.

Since the last court date one of seven phones submitted to Europol has been opened and continues to be analysed.”

He described the investigation as "complex." He said the probe involves feedback from a forensics analyst.

Mr Rahui, who appeared in court by video link, was further remanded in custody until September 2nd for DPP directions.

Mr Rahui is charged with conspiring with nine others to import drugs.

A Spanish interpreter translated proceedings from Cork District Court for Mr Rahui. Judge King described the length of the remand as reasonable given the complexity of the investigation.