Bulgarian pair in court over links to €620,000 drugs seizure at Shannon airport

Gordon Deegan

A Bulgarian man and woman today appeared in court in connection with the alleged seizure of suspected herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €620,000 at Shannon airport on Monday.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Yavor Kostov (30) and Renata Baeva (40) sat together and held hands in the custody suite of the court as a Bulgarian interpreter translated for them what was being said in court.

The two with different addresses at Stara Zagora, Bulgaria are both charged with having cannabis at Shannon Airport on May 11th for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

The two are also charged with having in their possession cannabis at Shannon airport on May 11th contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

The two were arrested at Shannon airport on Monday after Revenue officers at Shannon airport seized approximately 31kg of suspected herbal cannabis.

Detective Garda Eoin McCabe of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that both made no reply when charged.

Solicitor for the two, John Casey said that there was no application for bail for either client at this time.

Mr Casey said that Ms Baeva “has no means whatsoever” and Judge Adrian Harris granted legal aid to Mr Casey to represent both.

Mr Casey said that there may be an application for bail at a future court date if an address can be provided.

Judge Harris also directed that Ms Baeva be seen immediately by a doctor when she arrives at the prison and that all necessary prescribed medications be made available.

Judge Harris remanded the two accused in custody to appear at Ennis District Court via video link next Wednesday, May 20th.