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Two Men Appear In Court Over Major Drug Seizure In Laois

Friday, 7 February 2025 08:13

Almost 200 kilos of cocaine were seized during operations in Laois and Dublin.

Two men have appeared in court in connection with a €14m drug seizure.

Nearly 200 kilos of cocaine, as well as four kilos of cannabis herb, were seized during operations in Laois and Dublin on Tuesday.

45-year-old Robert Wojtanowicz, of Manor Grove, Mountmellick was charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine for his own use and with possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or for supply.

Robert Cup, who's 44, from Marlfield Gardens, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis for his own use and with possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or for supply.

He was also charged with money laundering.

Gardaí say a third man who was arrested in connection to the incident was released without charge.

Portlaoise District Court was told around 182 kilos of cocaine and 4 kilos of cannabis herb was seized in Mountmellick, and in a follow-up search in Rathcoole, around 17kg of cocaine was seized along with €25,000 in cash.

Judge John Brennan refused bail and remanded both men to Cloverhill Prison to appear again at Portlaoise District Court by video link on 13 February.

He reserved his judgement on granting free legal aid until the next sitting of the case.

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