One of Southwest seven pleads guilty to conspiring to import drugs

Eoin Reynolds

One of seven men charged with conspiring to bring a large quantity of drugs into the country pleaded guilty to the offence at the Special Criminal Court on Wednesday morning.

Conor Costello (31) of Earhart Park, Madamsbank Road, Derry in Northern Ireland pleaded guilty before the three-judge court to a charge that he conspired with others on dates between December 18th, 2024, and January 15th, 2025, both dates inclusive, within and outside the State, to import controlled drugs worth in excess of €13,000.

The offence is contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

The three-judge, non-jury court adjourned Costello's case and those of his six co-accused to October 20th.

The other men charged with the same offence are Gary Monks (40) of Amulree Place, Glasgow, Scotland; Ryan Watson (32) of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow; Miljan Koprivica (45) of Bollin Drive, Manchester.

Three Filipino men are also charged: Hanz Pangahin (36), Christopher Ampo (44) and Feljon Lao (62).