Two charged with possession of €50k of cannabis found in Clare

TWO men appeared in court this Monday, April 19, charged with possessing €50,000 worth of cannabis, found by gardai in a wooded area in County Clare last Friday, writes David Raleigh.
Paul Collopy, (45), originally from Limerick, but with an address at Childers Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, and, Benedict Brady, (58), with an address at Tiermaclane, Ballyea, Ennis, Co. Clare, appeared before Limerick District Court.
Both accused men are charged with possessing the drugs for sale or supply, as well as their own use, contrary to Section 15 and Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
They are alleged to have had the drugs in their possession on April 16 last, at Carnelly House, Clarecastle, Co. Clare.
Detective Garda Denis Stack, Ennis Garda Station, said he charged Mr Collopy with both offences, at Ennis Garda Station, at 5.08pm on April 18.
In reply to both charges, Mr Collopy told the detective: “That’s a stitch up, 100% total stitch up.”
Sergeant Sean Murray, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Collopy’s file had to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Free legal aid solicitor John Herbert, acting as agent for Mr Collopy, said the defendant would apply for bail at a later date. Mr Collopy was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison.
Garda Cathal O’Reilly, Ennis Garda Station, told the court he charged Mr Brady with both offences shortly before 6pm last Sunday. He said Mr Brady “made no reply” to the charges.
Free legal aid solicitor Darragh Hassett, was assigned to represent Mr Brady, and he informed the court bail had been agreed by consent.
As part of his bail terms, Mr Brady must reside at his home address; obey a curfew (8pm-8am); sign on daily at Ennis Garda Station; surrender his passport; and be available to gardai at all times via a charged and in-credit mobile phone.
Presiding, Judge Patricia Harney informed Mr Brady that if he failed to answer his mobile phone to gardai this would constitute a breach of his bail terms.
The two accused men were remanded to appear before Ennis District Court again on April 21 for directions from the DPP.