Two charged with €210k heroin seizure at Cork City house

A Cork woman and a Tipperary man appeared before Cork District Court charged with possession and supply of 1.5kg of heroin. A money-laundering charge was also brought against the woman.

Cork heroin bust: pair face charges after €210k drug seizure in Blackrock

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that a 43-year-old Cork woman and a 60-year-old Tipperary man have appeared before Cork District Court charged with possession and supply of diamorphine, following an alleged interception of 1.5kg of heroin with a street value of €210,000.

Philip Hicks, of Cois Na hAbhainn, Mullinahone, County Tipperary, faces two counts relating to the possession and sale or supply of heroin at Upper Convent Road, Blackrock, Cork, on 1 September. Detective Garda James Byrd told the court it was alleged the drugs were seized on the evening of 2 September.

Gardaí raised no objection to bail for Hicks, subject to conditions. He must reside at his Mullinahone address, remain outside County Cork except for court and legal appointments, observe a 9pm–9am curfew, keep a contactable mobile number on record with gardaí, and sign regularly at Clonmel Garda Station. His case was adjourned to 1 October pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sergeant John Dineen confirmed.

Sandra Byrne, 43, of Upper Convent Road, Blackrock, Cork — the address where the alleged transaction took place — faces the same two drugs charges and an additional count of money laundering in respect of €12,980 in cash. The cash was allegedly discovered concealed beneath clothing in a laundry basket during a search of the property.

Detective Garda Linda O'Keeffe objected to bail for Byrne, telling the court: "She now has a substantial drug debt to repay and I have no doubt Sandra Byrne will continue with drug activities."

Solicitor Diane Hallahan noted that the seized material had not yet been forensically examined and indicated her client would comply with any bail conditions imposed. Det. Garda O'Keeffe said she was satisfied, based on the appearance and packaging, that the substance was diamorphine.

Judge David Waters refused bail and remanded Byrne in custody until 10 September.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)