Brothers in court over Cork drug haul

Two men have been remanded on bail after they were charged in connection with a €100,000 drug seizure in North Cork on Thursday.

Brothers Donal Ryan (46) and Connie Ryan (57) were charged over the seizure of 5kg of herbal cannabis by Cork City Drugs Squad detectives near Doneraile.

They were brought before a special sitting of Mallow District Court this evening where they were both charged with two offences relating to the incident.

Both men were charged with possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Annakissa, Doneraile contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Det Garda Tony Holmes gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of Donal Ryan from Kingsfort Avenue, Mallow and said he made no reply to either charge after caution.

Det Garda Ian Cahalane gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Connie Ryan from Connolly Avenue, Mallow and told how he made no reply to either charge after caution.

Gardaí said that they were not objecting to bail for either accused once certain conditions were met and solicitor for both men, David Waters, said that the conditions were acceptable.

Judge Aingeal Ní Chondúin remanded Donal Ryan on his own bond of €5,000 and an independent surety of €5,000 to appear again at Mallow District Court on Tuesday.

Judge Ní Chondúin remanded Connie Ryan on his own bond of €10,000 to appear at the same court sitting for the DPP's directions in relation to the charges.

She made it a condition of both men's bail that they reside at their home addresses, abide by a curfew from 10pm-7am and sign on daily at Mallow Garda station between 8am and 8pm.

She also made it a condition of bail that Donal Ryan surrender his passport and not apply for any replacement or new travel documents and for Connie Ryan not to apply for a passport.

Judge Ní Chondúin granted free legal aid to both accused pending statements of means after hearing that Donal Ryan was unemployed and Connie Ryan was on disability.