Marketing executive at Bauer Media granted bail after €110k cannabis seizure

Tom Tuite

A marketing executive with a radio network has been released on bail after appearing in court over a seizure of €110,000 worth of cannabis at his office building in Dublin on Tuesday.

Seafra O'Donovan, 35, an employee of Bauer Media, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and having it for sale or supply at Marconi House, Digges Lane, Dublin 2, on March 23rd.

The location of the seizure, which was part of a joint Garda and Revenue Customs operation, is the base for Newstalk, Today FM, and affiliated radio stations.

Dressed in a black sleeveless jacket, navy sweater, white shirt, dark pants and black runners, O'Donovan sat silently throughout the brief hearing before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dublin District Court on Wednesday.

No plea was entered to the charges, which are under sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Garda Conor Hearns told Judge Fottrell that the accused, of Leeson Park, Court, Ranelagh, in Dublin city's southside, was charged shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, handed a copy of the charges, and "made no reply" when cautioned.

Garda Hearns, from the divisional drugs unit at Kevin Street, confirmed he was not objecting to bail with conditions.

Accordingly, Judge Fottrell ordered O'Donovan to sign on two days a week at his local Garda station, notify of address or mobile phone number changes and not apply for a passport.

Defence solicitor, Aoife Dalton, informed Judge Fottrell that her client had provided his phone number and that his passport had already been handed in.

Garda Hearns asked for a lengthy adjournment, two to three months, if possible, as the investigation was still ongoing and a file needed to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Fottrell ordered O'Donovan to appear again on May 27th next.

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