Carpenter arrested over €8.1 m Laois drugs seizure seeks bail

A carpenter who was arrested in connection with the discovery of cocaine valued at €8.1 million applied for bail at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Thomas Ryan, (39) of Wood View, Boulick, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co Tipperary, is accused of possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Killnaseer, Rathdowney, Laois on October 28 last. 

Detective Garda Stephen Gillespie from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau objected to the bail application. He told the court the defendant was believed to be involved in the storage and distribution of drugs.   

He explained that during an investigation, the defendant was “identified as a person believed to be involved in the storage and distribution of drugs”, and a search was carried out where two vehicles were seized, which then underwent digital forensic analysis. That analysis led to the identification of “a location of interest” where gardaí conducted a further search, he said. The analysis also uncovered what he called a “sophisticated motorised concealment” within one of the vehicles. 

Det Gillespie said when gardaí searched the area of interest at a wooded area in Kilnaseer they discovered blocks of cocaine bearing various logos and stamps. He said the drugs had been packed into different bags. 

The defendant was arrested and taken to Abbeyleix Garda Station where he was interviewed. Det Gillespie said “he was interviewed on six occasions and he made admissions.”

Det Gillespie said there is “significant” evidence against the defendant. He said images were found on the defendant’s phone of logos and a blue notebook, which contained a “tick list” next to logos similar to those found on the drugs. He said gardaí had seized 116 kilograms of cocaine in total. He said samples have been analysed and confirmed it was cocaine.  

“We don’t believe he is a flight risk,” Det Gillespie told the court. 

However, he said it was a serious offence which could result in a life sentence and there was a prospect of further charges. 

He described the loss of €8 million in drugs as a “serious blow” to those involved and said he was concerned that the defendant would be forced to repay some of the loss by committing crimes. 

“He will be forced to store drugs and distribute drugs by this organised criminal group to recoup the loss,” he said. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked Det Gillespie if there were any bail conditions which would ease his concerns. Det Gillespie said there weren’t. 

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy asked Det Gillespie about the seizure “of 116kgs or so of white powder” and the testing that was done. He noted one of the kilos was forensically tested and asked what value that had. He was told one kilogram had tested positive for cocaine and was valued at €70,000. 

Mr McCarthy asked Det Gillespie if he believed his client appeared to be a low level operative.

“He was in charge of €8 million so he is not an untrusted member,” Det Gillespie replied. 

Mr McCarthy said his client was a carpenter with a work history and ties to the state. He said the man’s parents were in court. He said the man has an address where he can stay and he was entitled to bail. 

Mr McCarthy said that while it was the opinion of the detective that the man might be forced to commit offences, there was no supporting evidence. He said the court would be refusing bail on “conjecture” and “speculation” as “it is quite obviously hearsay evidence if it is even that.” 

“It is simply opinion evidence of the garda that there is a possibility of the owners of this product might endeavour to enlist Mr Ryan,” said Mr McCarthy. 

He said whether it’s €5 of drugs or €50 million “we have to stick to brass tax” and he pointed out the fact that gardaí had the man’s passport. He said the man wasn’t presently working but had about €1,900 in savings and was willing to offer it up for bail. 

The defendant’s father, Thomas Ryan, gave evidence of being willing to provide a substantial independent surety. 

“I would be depending on some savings. I don’t have control over all my farm anymore,” said the farmer who is aged 74. 

Mr McCarthy appealed to the court to grant his client bail. He said if the defendant doesn’t get bail he could be waiting 18 to 20 months in custody before trial. 

“This is a gent who has proven for the last 20 years that he can go out and he can work,” said Mr McCarthy. 

Sgt Kirby asked the court to take into account the seriousness of the charge and the potential sentence on conviction. 

“This is one of the most serious cases that has ever come before this court in my opinion,” said Sgt Kirby. 

Judge Susan Fay rose to consider her decision. When she returned she acknowledged that the defendant was before the court an innocent man but she said, “the court finds that the prosecution has established its objection to bail.” 

She refused bail and remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on November 17.