Scottish man (32) pleads guilty to conspiring to import drugs into Ireland

Ryan Dunne

A Scottish man who was charged with conspiring to bring a large quantity of drugs into Ireland has pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court.

Before the non-jury, three-judge court on Thursday, Ryan Watson (32), of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow, pleaded guilty 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 matter has been put back for mention to October 20th, on which date a probation report, governor’s report, an education report and urinalysis have all been requested by the court.

A co-accused, Conor Costello (31), of Earhart Park, Madams Bank Road, Derry city, pleaded guilty to the same charge earlier this month.

The other men charged with the same offence are Gary Monks (40), of Amulree Place, Glasgow, Scotland; Miljan Koprivica (45), of Bollin Drive, Manchester; and three Filipino men – Hanz Pangahin (36), Christopher Ampo (44) and Feljon Lao (62).