Fifth man remanded over €10 million drug haul

A 36-year-old man was today remanded in custody in connection with the seizure of cannabis worth €10 million in Co Kildare on…

A 36-year-old man was today remanded in custody in connection with the seizure of cannabis worth €10 million in Co Kildare on Tuesday.

Alan Flood, with an address in Urmston, Manchester, was arrested on Wednesday following the discovery of 1.2 tonnes of cannabis hidden in a lorry parked behind a house in Carbury, Kildare.

At Dublin District Court today, Detective Garda James O'Sullivan, from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said he arrested Mr Flood at Newbridge Garda station last night.

He was charged at 10.30pm with possession of drugs under section three of the Misuse of Drugs Act and with possession with intent to supply under section 15 of the act.

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Detective Garda O'Sullivan told the court that Mr Flood replied "nothing to say" to both charges. Mr Flood, who is originally from Edgeworthstown in Co Longford, stood before the court dressed in a black top, blue jeans and white runners.

Detective Garda O'Sullivan applied to have him remanded in custody and added that he objected to bail.

"He's resident outside the state. It's a serious offence," he said. Judge Tom Fitzpatrick asked Mr Flood if he wished to say anything in response.

"No, your honour," he replied. Judge Fitzpatrick remanded him in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court at 10.30am next Wednesday.

Last Thursday, four other men were remanded in custody after they appeared at Naas District Court in connection with the seizure. The men, three of whom are Irish with addresses in Enfield, Co Meath, Carbury, Co Kildare and Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, the fourth a Spanish truck driver, were not granted bail.

The seizure was made by detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation along with local officers who had followed the truck after it arrived from France at Rosslare port.