Cork cannabis seizure: Chinese national denied bail, deemed flight risk

Xiaochen Han, 30, faces charges over €1.6m cannabis found at a Co Cork warehouse. A judge refused bail, citing his lack of ties to Ireland and alleged illegal entry.

Bail refused for man charged over €1.6m cannabis find at Cork warehouse

A 30-year-old Chinese national charged in connection with a €1.6 million cannabis seizure at a warehouse in Co Cork has been refused bail after a judge ruled he posed a serious flight risk, TheJournal.ie reports.

Xiaochen Han, whose registered address is Griffith's Close, Birmingham, UK, appeared before Cork District Court by video link. He faces two charges: possession of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply. Both charges relate to 6 July at U Store It, Unit 24, Euro Business Park, Little Island, Co Cork.

Han was assisted in court by a Mandarin interpreter. Detective Garda Derry O'Brien told the court that gardaí were strenuously objecting to bail. He cited the strength of the evidence against Han, stating that "CCTV had captured the full incident," and pointed to the seriousness of the charges as grounds for the objection. O'Brien also expressed concern that Han would flee the jurisdiction if released.

It is alleged that Han travelled to Cork via Belfast in order to avoid immigration checks at airports in the Republic of Ireland. The detective told the court that Han "came here illegally and if given bail would leave illegally too."

Defence barrister Hugo Mills, BL, argued in favour of bail. He told the court that Han's mother had travelled from China specifically to attend the hearing and was prepared to support her son. Mills said she had brought a €20,000 cash lodgement to court and that his client was willing to comply with any conditions set by the judge, including daily sign-on at a garda station and a curfew. Mills also noted that the State was already in possession of Han's Chinese passport, and that his mother had secured accommodation for him at Summerhill in Dublin.

Judge David Waters refused bail, citing Han's lack of ties to Ireland and the apparent circumstances of his entry into the State. The judge described Han as a "serious flight risk" and characterised the alleged offence as a "serious" one.

Han was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Cork District Court on 10 August by video link, when directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are expected. A sample from the cannabis seizure has been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Source: TheJournal.ie