Alleged 'senior figure' in Cork city drugs trade granted bail on conditions

A “senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork city and across the south of Ireland” was remanded in custody with consent to bail yesterday after an independent surety was approved in court.

Ian Hanlon, aged 54, of Maulbawn, age West, Co Cork, is charged with having €80,000 worth of cocaine at his home. Detective Garda Bryan English of Togher Drugs Unit arrested and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case against Ian Hanlon on the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis until June 26, to allow time for directions from the DPP.

Testified

Det Garda English testified at Cork District Court that officers of Togher Drugs Unit arrived at the defendant’s home on Sunday, May 18.

“Gardaí arrived at the property with a warrant,” said Sgt Davis.

“No persons were present. Gardaí made with Ian Hanlon [by phone] and invited him to return home, and he said he would. A considerable amount of time was given for him to do so.

“When gardaí ed him again to say they had entered the house without him and had breached it, his phone was turned off.

“Subject to analysis, cocaine with a value of €80,000 was found at his home. Mixing agent was also found, along with a tick list with names and a large amount of money.

“At interview he said he has a debt of €300,000 and is now at a loss for the drugs on top of that. He is believed to be at the higher level of the drugs trade across Cork city and the southern region of Ireland.”

Evidence

Mr Hanlon gave evidence in his bail application: “Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did. I cannot do it anymore. I have to accept what it is now. I have no intention of doing anything. I am in enough trouble.”

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail on conditions, including his own bond of €15,000 cash, and an independent surety of €10,000, of which €5,000 in cash was to be lodged in court. That surety was approved yesterday.

Mr Hanlon is charged with possession of cocaine at his home on May 18 and having the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to others.