DPP directions expected next month in case against 10 men accused of importing drugs
The lorry that was searched by gardaí after the arrests in Tragumna in March. File picture: Andy Gibson
DPP directions are expected in mid-November in the case against 10 men accused of conspiring to import a huge quantity of drugs into Ireland last March.
The 10 men have been before various district courts in Cork city and county waiting on progress in the prosecution of the cases against them.
On Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Michael Lyons reported on how the prosecution of the extensive international investigation is progressing: “I have received communication from the DPP’s office and they have said directions will likely issue on the second week of November.”
Eddie Burke, solicitor for Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, 35, of Cadiz, Spain, said his client had no previous convictions and as a foreign national he was having more difficulty being remanded in custody since March and that his family had to travel from Spain in order to visit him periodically.
Mr Burke said from what Det Sgt Lyons said it was likely the Director of Public Prosecutions would have directions but there was no guarantee.
Det Sgt Lyons then clarified the matter, saying: “I am satisfied they will be available.”
Mr Burke said in that event the detective could have no objection to it being made peremptory against the State on the next occasion. The detective agreed to an adjournment on those terms.
Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until November 20 with the accused remanded in custody until then.
While only one of the 10 defendants was before the court on Wednesday, it is understood the position regarding DPP directions will apply in all cases.
Sergeant John Kelleher said previously: “Approximately 4,500 pages need to be reviewed as well as a quantity of CCTV that also has to be reviewed by the DPP.”
The accused is charged with conspiring with nine others to import drugs.
The charge in each case states: “That you [defendant’s name] on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the State, did conspire with one or more persons, namely [nine other names] to do an act in the State that constitutes a serious offence, namely the importation of controlled drugs in excess of €13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2023.”
