Two men appear in court charged over massive €1.4m coke seizure

Charles Magill, 59, with an address at Rivers, Lisnagry, Co Limerick, appeared before Limerick District Court, today, Monday, charged with six counts under the Drugs Act

Mr Magill is accused of three counts of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, as well as three counts of possession of cocaine for his own use, contrary to section 3 of the Act.

The cocaine was discovered by gardai during a major search operation last weekend at locations in Blackwater, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare; Knockainey, Hospital, Co Limerick; and Rovers, Lisnagry.

In total €1.4million worth of drugs were seized by Gardai under Operation Coronation in conjunction with Operation Tara.

Detective Garda Sean Twomey, Divisional Drugs Unit, Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick, told the court he arrested and charged Mr Magill, at Henry Street station, Sunday, May 29th.

Mr Magill “made no reply” the six charges, said Det Gda Twomey.

Judge Colm Roberts said gardai had no objection to bail, “subject to a number of conditions”.

Mr Magill signed a bail bond in court in which he agreed to reside at Rivers, Lisnagry, and notify gardai should he wish to change his address; that he sign on daily at Henry Street Garda Station; that he obey a nightly curfew of 11pm to 6am; that he keep his mobile phone charged and in credit at all times; and that he does not apply for a passport or any other travel documentation.

Mr Magill was granted free legal aid and remanded on bail to appear before Limerick District Court on September 12th for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Another man, Vincent Collopy, 43, of St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, was charged in connection with same investigation last Sunday, May 29.

Mr Collopy is alleged to have impeded or obstructed Garda Ryan Hill in his duty, that, as he was approached by gardai in Corbally, Co Clare, last Saturday, May 28, he “threw a package containing cocaine to the value of approximately €10,500 from the front passenger seat of a Toyota Avensis”, contrary to section 21 (4) and section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Mr Collopy is also accused of one count of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, as well as one count of possession of cocaine for his own use, at the same location, on the same date.

Mr Collopy was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison to appear before Limerick District Court on Tuesday, May 31.