Malaysian charged in Dublin court over RM3mil cannabis seizure at airport

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian is facing charges connected to a €580,000 (RM3mil) cannabis seizure at Dublin Airport.

The 39-year-old man, who does not have a registered address in the Republic of Ireland, was arrested upon arriving at the airport on Wednesday (Feb 28) morning, The Irish Times reported.

The man was taken into custody after a baggage search by revenue officers, it said.

He was subsequently charged with offences under Ireland’s Misuse of Drugs Act related to unlawful importation of cannabis and possession of drugs for sale or supply, and detained at the Ballymun Garda (police) station.

During a court hearing at Dublin district court on Thursday (Feb 29), the accused said he had cooperated with the authorities and chose not to respond to the charges.

ALSO READ: PJ cops smash syndicate selling drugs packed in bogus boarding passes

Enforcement officer Peter Elliot urged the court not to grant bail, noting the size and value of the drug seizure.

Although he was given an interpreter and legal aid based on his financial circumstances, the accused reportedly declined to engage with the court and did not enter a plea.

His counsel Eoin Lysaght then said his client was not seeking bail at this point.

Judge Shalom Binchy set the next court appearance for the following week, until which time the accused was to remain in custody.

According to the news report, the court was awaiting feedback from the public prosecutions director on the case.