Man charged over seizure of cocaine worth €2.8m at Dublin Port

Tom Tuite

A man has been remanded in custody charged with unlawful importation and possession of drugs following a suspected €2.8 million cocaine seizure at Dublin Port.

Revenue officers searched a vehicle that had disembarked from a ferry arriving from Cherbourg in France on Sunday.

Noel Smullen (57), of Silverdale, Clara, Co Offaly, was charged with unlawful possession and importation of cocaine, and having it for sale or supply at the port on September 22nd.

The offences are under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He was arrested by officers from the Garda North Central Divisional Drugs Unit.

Mr Smullen appeared at the evening sitting of Dublin District Court on Thursday. Judge Gerard Jones noted from Detective Garda Kylie Beirne that the alleged value was €2.8 million.

She also told the court there would be an objection to bail but defence solicitor Peter Connolly said his client was not making an application at this stage. The court heard he made no reply to the charges.

Mr Smullen, who has yet to indicate a plea, was granted legal aid and remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court in a week.