A Lesotho national was remanded in custody today after he was charged over a seizure of €250,000 worth of the drug known as “crystal meth” at Dublin airport.
Officers from the Customs Service in a joint operation with the Garda National Immigration Bureau at Dublin airport seized approximately 2.5kgs of the highly addictive drug crystal methamphetamine - also known as “Yaba” or “Ice” yesterday.
The drugs, which were concealed in the framework of two suit cases, were discovered when officers stopped a man who had arrived on a flight from South Africa.
Pheilman Khamali (39) was held at Ballymun Garda station for questioning and then brought before Dublin District Court today.
He was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act with possessing crystal meth with intent to supply to another and he is also accused of importing the drug into the State.
Dressed in a blue striped jumper and black trousers he remained silent throughout the brief hearing during which gardai sought a remand in custody.
Judge Denis McLoughlin heard that Mr Khamali had a “smattering of English” and the court assigned an interpreter to translate the proceedings for him.
“We are not going to be in a position to move a successful bail application today, so we will reserve our position,” defence solicitor Cahir O’Higgins told Judge McLoughlin.
He added that his client, who is unemployed, had travelled to Ireland from South Africa and “he had a great amount of difficulties there”.
Legal aid was granted and Mr Khamali was remanded in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court, next Thursday. Judge McLoughlin said that directions from the DPP needed to be obtained.
It is believed to have been the first seizure of the crystal meth at the capital’s airport.
In September 2009, gardaí in Tralee, Co Kerry, made three seizures of the drug while in July 2008, customs officers and gardaí discovered almost 5kg of methamphetamine in powder form, in Birr, Co Offaly.
What is Crystal Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally.
Users feel a short yet intense "rush" when the drug is initially administered. However, a user can stay high for up to 12 hours.
The immediate effects of methamphetamine include increased activity and decreased appetite. It also lowers a user's inhibitions and greatly increases sex drive.
The drug is produced from a cocktail of chemicals in back street laboratories in the US, Eastern Europe, South East Asia and Central America.