Alleged €380k cannabis smuggler remanded in custody after airport arrest

Tom Tuite

A Romanian construction worker charged following the seizure of cannabis worth around €380,000 at Dublin Airport has been remanded in custody.

Alexandru Petcu, 33, whose address is not known, was arrested by gardaí after Revenue officers discovered approximately 19.3kg of herbal cannabis on Monday.

The man was detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 and brought to appear before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court on Wednesday.

He faces three charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act for unlawful possession and importation of cannabis, having it for sale or supply at Terminal 1 on September 30th.

The judge heard he made no reply when charged, and that he would face bail objections.

He listened to the proceedings with the aid of an interpreter and has yet to indicate a plea.

Defence counsel Paddy Flynn, instructed by solicitor Tracy Horan, said his client was not applying for bail at this stage.

Judge Kelly remanded him to prison to appear again on October 8th.

Legal aid was granted after the judge considered his circumstances and noted that he earned €400 per month as a construction worker in Romania.