TWO Irishmen and an Englishman were remanded in custody for a week at Ennis District Court charged with the unlawful importation and possession of cannabis resin on November 1st last.
Before the court were Mr Kevin Lafferty (32), of Bunn, Culkenny, Malin, Co Donegal; Mr Desmond McElroy (32), of Dunfane Park, Ballymena, Co Antrim; and Mr Andrew Paul Kelly (31), of Boulton Point, Aston Hall Road, Aston, Birmingham.
They are each charged with unlawfully importing a controlled drug, cannabis resin, at Cappagh, Kilrush, Co Clare, on November 1st in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs regulations 1988 and 1993.
They were also charged with possessing cannabis resin on the same date and at the same place for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs regulations 1988 and 1993.
Mr Gearoid Williams, solicitor, said he was renewing his application for bail for Mr Lafferty and Mr McElroy. He pointed out that Mr McElroy was far from home, and the case could go on for a long time.
Supt Gerry Kelly, Kilrush, said that in relation to Mr Lafferty he was objecting to bail because of the very serious nature of the charges. It was his belief that if granted bail he would not appear to answer the charges at the trial. "He was caught red handed with 1.7 tonnes of cannabis resin."
He added that the defendant was separated from his wife and had been out of the country for some time. He acquired a British passport in September 1966, and in October this year he signed a document in Gibraltar which showed an address in Manchester.
Mr Williams said Mr Lafferty had lived all of his life, apart from three months, in Donegal. He would be strongly maintaining his innocence in relation to these charges.
Judge Albert O'Dea said if he wanted bail he would have to go to the High Court: "I am not granting it."
In relation to Mr McElroy Supt Kelly also opposed bail.
Mr Williams said his client was in a position to give any undertaking which the court desired and the accused told him he would come to attend his trial.
Judge Albert O'Dea said he was opposing bail on the basis that he, would not be likely to stand trial and referred him to the High Court.
Ms Isobel Stokes, solicitor, said she was instructed to apply lord bail on behalf of Mr Andrew Paul Kelly. It was refused by the judge.
All three defendants were remanded in custody until November 15th.