Pair charged with €7 million drug seizure in Kildare further remanded in custody

A MAN, already in custody for four months for his part in a €7m drugs seizure, had a laugh of resignation after he learned he would have to do at least one more month in custody before his case progresses.

Alex Forsyth (33) of Dunedin Terrace, Monkstown Farm, Dublin appeared by videolink at this week’s summer sittings at Naas District Court from custody where he has been held on remand since he was first refused bail on 7 April.

Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told visiting Judge Michael Connellan that “the defendant is in custody on these matters and is a co-accused with three others”.

These are Emre Ozdemier (29) of Burrin Street, Carlow; John Weekes (38) of Branswood, Athy; and Alanna Corrigan (29) of Crookstown Upper, Ballitore. All four face charges relating to the discovery of €7m worth of cannabis on 1 April at Crookstown Upper, Ballitore.

This week, Sgt Hanrahan conceded that Forsyth had been in custody “since the start of April, but unfortunately, we don’t have his book of evidence yet and would recommend a further remand in custody. I think the book would take about four weeks”.

“I appreciate you don’t have the benefit of a solicitor; will you consent to four weeks?” asked Judge Connellan.

“Ah, OK. I suppose I sort of have to!” said Mr Forsyth with a big, humourless laugh.

When Mr Ozdemir appeared on screen, Sgt Hanrahan introduced him as “a co-defendant of Alex Forsyth’s, where we also don’t have directions. The recommendation is for further remand”.

Defending barrister Sean Egan conceded: “This is a very serious amount of drugs, but this gentleman has been on remand for such a serious length of time it is a matter of prejudice at this point”.

“The DPP is totally unacceptable, operating out of what is practically a black box in Dublin,” he challenged.

“There are huge, unnecessary delays all across the country, and in this case, a huge prejudice against my client,” he alleged.

“The only way to pre-empt this institution is not a strike out, but to mark this case pre-emptory is the only way to get beyond this sticking point,” chanced Mr Egan.

“We are obviously hamstrung,” conceded Sgt Hanrahan, “but the investigating garda has been on to the DPP’S office this morning, and it is a matter of extreme urgency.” 

After the briefest of pauses, Judge Connellan ruled: “I won’t grant the application to mark pre-emptory”, and remanded Mr Ozdemir back into custody until 20 August.

The final two – Ms Corrigan and Mr Weekes – who had previously won highly conditional bail each, were both remanded on continuing bail to re-appear at Naas District Court on 3 September for directions.

At their first formal hearing on 6 April, some details of the alleged events of the 1 April were entered into the record.

Garda Kayleigh Milward said Mr Ozdemier was arrested at Crookstown Upper, where, it is alleged, he had hidden in a ditch for more than three hours before being found by gardaí.

Gda Milward said 350kg of cannabis was located in a shed at the property. In a follow-up search, gardaí found tubs of benzocaine, said to be a mixing agent, the court was told.

Giving evidence of arresting Mr Forsyth, Garda Elaine Commins said he made an admission about the shed being used to store cannabis and that he is the occupier of the address.

She said the intelligence-led operation saw searches conducted at locations in Kildare and Carlow.

Garda Commins told the court that the third defendant, John Weekes, was observed attempting to flee the scene and discarded two phones while leaving.

A wallet with documents belonging to him was found in a vehicle owned by Mr Ozdemier.

Ms Corrigan was the only defendant at that time to be granted bail, subject to signing on conditions, providing a mobile phone number and surrendering her passport.