Thomas Kavanagh (47), of Clogga Cove, Clogga, Arklow, has been charged with unlawful possession of cocaine, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply, contrary to Sections 15 and 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended.
The court heard that Mr Kavanagh was arrested on November 13, 2025 after gardaí from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau conducted a series of coordinated searches at residential properties in Wicklow and Dublin. One of the searches took place at a location in Ballinabanoge, Arklow, where Mr Kavanagh was arrested.
The operation, which was assisted by the Ballymun and Balbriggan Drugs Units, resulted in the seizure of approximately 98 kilograms of cannabis and two kilograms of cocaine. The drugs are believed to have a combined street value of approximately €2.1 million.
Mr Kavanagh was granted bail in early December under strict conditions, including the provision of an independent surety and the surrender of all travel documents.
The court was told that the defendant’s passport is to be temporarily returned to allow him to travel outside the country.
One of the conditions is that Mr Kavanagh may only travel to a location approved by gardaí and is prohibited from making any other travel arrangements.
The passport must be returned to gardaí on January 3, 2026.
The seizure forms part of Operation Tara, the national strategy aimed at tackling drug-trafficking networks. The operation focuses on disrupting and dismantling groups involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production and supply of controlled drugs at international, national and local levels.
The court was told that directions are still awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matter until January 3, 2026.
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