Suspected cannabis dealer wants bail to attend fertility treatment appointment

Adam Rzepka (36) and his fiancée had been waiting over a year for the appointment, and he was very anxious to attend the consultation, his lawyer said.

The accused was arrested following a search operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Special Crime Task Force (SCTF).

Judge David McHugh refused bail and remanded Mr Rzepka in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court next Tuesday.

The accused, with an address at Cammock, Mountbrown, Dublin 8, is charged with possession of cannabis as well as having the drug for sale or supply at Hickey's Yard, The Ward, Co Dublin on November 29.

Detective Garda Jonathan Griffin told Blanchardstown District Court that gardai received confidential information relating to the accused man's suspected involvement in the movement of drugs.

At 4.30pm on Monday, gardai searched a unit in an industrial park at The Ward and found Mr Rzepka in an upstairs room. He was the sole occupant of the unit.

Gda Griffin said cannabis, with an estimated street value of €1.26m, as well as mixing agent and cash of €33,090 was found.

Gda Griffin objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the strength of the evidence.

Gda Griffin further alleged that Mr Rzepka, a Polish national, was a flight risk.

Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said the accused was willing to abide by any bail conditions.

Mr MacLoughlin said Mr Rzepka had lived in Ireland for four years and had ties to the country. He had a fiancée, who had her own business as a beautician, and he worked part-time as a mechanic.

Mr MacLoughlin said the accused was anxious to be granted bail, as he and his fiancée had an appointment for fertility treatment next week.

Mr MacLoughlin said the couple hoped very much to have a child, and they had been waiting on this appointment for a year. Mr Rzepka's partner was in her 40s, and he was very anxious to attend the consultation.

Judge McHugh said the alleged quantity of cannabis was very significant and he refused bail.