Two charged over Cork drugs haul

Two men have been remanded in custody after they were charged in connection with a drugs seizure conservatively estimated as being worth over €5 million.

Sean O Donovan (45) and Richard Deutschenbaur (56) were both charged with two offences in connection with the seizure of 80 kilos of cocaine by gardai and customs at Bartlemy in north Cork.

Mr O’Donovan with an address at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy on October 13th.

A German national, Mr Deutschenbaur with an address at Stora Slatlovagen,8, 44195, Alinggas in Sweden was also charged with the same two offences at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy on the same date.

Det Sgt Sean Leahy of Fermoy Garda station told the special sitting of Fermoy District Court today that Mr Deutschenbaur made no reply to the charges when they were put to him after caution.

Det Garda Damian O’Farrell of the Garda National Drugs Unit gave similar evidence in respect of Mr O’Donovan, saying that he too made no reply to the two charges after caution.

Insp Tony O’Sullivan said that gardaí were objecting to bail but solicitor for both men, Ken Murray said his clients were reserving their position on bail and making no application for the moment.

Judge Olann Kelleher noted Mr Murray’s position with regard to bail and remanded both accused in custody to appear again at Fermoy District Court next Friday.

Mr Murray also asked Judge Kelleher to note Mr Deutschenbaur is in remission from a brain tumour which requires scanning every six months and asked that his medical needs be attended to in custody.

Neither Mr Deutschenbaur nor Mr O’Donovan, who had a large bandage on his left cheek, spoke during the eight minute hearing other than to confirm their identities.

Security was tight at Fermoy courthouse for the lunchtime appearance by the two accused with both plainclothes and uniformed officers escorting the men to and from court.

Meanwhile three other men arrested by gardaí investigating the major seizure in Bartlemy were released without charge this morning and files on their involvement will be prepared for the DPP.