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It follows a joint operation two days ago involving Revenue’s Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau
Two men charged in connection with an alleged €1 million drug seizure in County Louth in a joint Garda/customs operation, have appeared before a special sitting of Dundalk District Court.
Stephen McGuane (45) and Ciaran McParland (41) both of Bellingham Green, Castlebellingham are each accused of unlawful possession of cannabis and having the drug for sale or supply at the same address on Wednesday (April 1st).
A detective garda from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who gave evidence or arresting the Stephen McGuane at Drogheda Garda this evening, told Judge Stephanie Coggans that the defendant made no reply when the unlawful possession of drugs charge was put to him after caution, but in response to the other, said “I don’t deal drugs. I’m not a drug dealer”.
His co-accused, Ciaran McParland made no reply when the same two charges were put to him after caution.
The contested bail hearing was told a controlled delivery was made after customs officers intercepted a consignment from the USA and 50 kilos of cannabis, with an estimated street value of €1m was allegedly collected by the accused from a yard in Castlebellingham, before they brought it in a van to their home, where they were allegedly ‘caught red handed’ with the drugs in the kitchen.
Judge Coggans refused Ciaran McParland’s bail application and remanded Stephen McGuane in custody with consent to bail in his own bond of €10,000, with a €5,000 cash lodgement, and an independent surety of €20,000. He must surrender his passport and sign on daily at his nearest garda station, once an address is approved in writing by the investigating garda.
Both men are due to appear before Dundalk District Court again on Wednesday (April 8th).
