A MAN has appeared in court charged in connection with the discovery of a suspected quantity of cocaine in the Inch area last week.

Dara Maloney (28) with an address at Drumcliff, Ennis, appeared at Ennis district court this Wednesday on two drugs-related charges.

He is charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purposes of sale or supply. Both charges arise from the seizure by gardaí of a quantity of suspected drugs in Magowna on the outskirts of Ennis on September 9.

A further, more serious, drug-related charge may be brought against the accused, the court heard.

Detective Garda Seán O’Sullivan of Ennis garda station told the court that he arrested Maloney in Magowna on September 9 on suspicion of an offence contrary to the misuse of drugs act.

The court heard the accused was charged at Ennis garda station on September 10. Maloney made no reply to the charges after caution.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said he had no questions regarding the arrest, charge and caution of his client.

Sergeant Aiden Lonergan said the accused had previously been granted station bail and the State was now seeking that conditions be attached to bail.

Judge Alec Gabbett granted the accused bail subject to a number of conditions including that he abide by a curfew, surrender his passport and not apply for any new travel documents.

He must also sign on three times a week at Ennis garda station.

Sergeant Lonergan applied to have the case adjourned for eight weeks to allow time for progress to be made in obtaining directions from the director of public prosecutions.

Mr Hassett applied for and was granted legal aid. Granting legal aid, Judge Gabbett said the charges against the accused are serious.

Sergeant Lonergan told the court that given the quantity of suspected drugs involved, a further, more serious drug-related charge may be brought against the accused.