Dutch pensioner remanded after €26,000 drugs seizure at Dublin Airport

A Dutch pensioner has been remanded in custody after a seizure of the amphetamine-based herbal drug khat at Dublin Airport.

Gardaí­ arrested the man following the discovery of 52kg of the drug, worth an estimated €26,000, by customs officers in baggage at Terminal 1 on Sunday afternoon.

Antonius van Deheijning (69) from Bisschop Bekkerslaan, Tilburg in the Netherlands, was charged on that evening at Ballymun Garda station.

He was held pending his appearance before Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court on Monday.

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He is accused of unlawful possession of the substance, having it for sale or supply, and illegally importing it into the State.

Garda Conor Garland told the judge "there was no reply to the charges, after caution".

The court heard Mr van Deheijning was then handed copies of the charge sheets. The offences are contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Garda Garland confirmed he intended to object to bail.

However, defence solicitor Tertius van Eeden told the judge: “We would like to reserve our position in relation to bail.”

No bail application

Mr van Deheijning has not yet indicated a plea.

Noting there was no bail application, the judge remanded him in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday.

He said directions need to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He granted legal aid to the accused after noting the arresting garda had no objection. Furthermore, he told the defence to notify the prosecution if a bail request was going to be made.

Khat, primarily used in east African and Middle Eastern countries, comes in leaf form, is chewed and gives users a similar rush as amphetamines.