Seaman on drugs charge has bail cut

A SHIP'S captain charged with conspiracy to import cocaine is likely to have his case heard in Cork Circuit Court next legal …

A SHIP'S captain charged with conspiracy to import cocaine is likely to have his case heard in Cork Circuit Court next legal term.

Mr Sigurder Arngrimsson (65), from Iceland with an address in Sweden, appeared at Bandon District Court yesterday where his bail was reduced, from £20,000 to £5,000 on conditions linked to the sale of his vessel, the Tia.

Mr Arngrimsson was charged with conspiring with a Mr Zimmermann and others between August 8th and November 5th, 1996, within or without "the State, to import a prohibited substance (cocaine) into the State. A search of the vessel by Customs and naval and Garda officers did not find any of the drug on board.

Mr Arngrimsson was remanded on continuing bail to March 7th in Bandon District Court.