Gardaí seize €86k in cannabis and cocaine and €125k in cash in Dublin and Kildare raids

Fiachra Slator (39) was arrested after a key was found on him that opened the lockup containing most of the drugs, with evidence of money transfers to Thailand also discovered in his home, gardai said.

He was granted €15,000 bail subject to conditions and the case was adjourned at Blanchardstown District Court.

Judge David McHugh remanded him in custody with consent to bail to next week.

Mr Slator from Lindisfarne Green Clondalkin, is charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Garda Ciaran O’Neill told Judge McHugh the accused made no reply to the charges after caution at Clondalkin garda station yesterday.

He objected to bail, citing the nature and seriousness of the allegations and his belief that the accused was a flight risk. The garda said on Monday April 18, following a drugs and money laundering investigation, a search was carried out at Mr Slator's address at Lindisfarne Green.

The accused was the only person present and a small quantity of cannabis worth €150 was found. Gardai also located a key on Mr Slator's person. The gardai were in possession of a second search warrant for a premises at Ardclough, Straffan, Co Kildare, Gda O'Neill continued.

Mr Slator denied knowledge of this premises but when gardai went to the unit, the key they had found on him opened the lock.

Some €77,250 worth of cannabis and cocaine valued at €9,100 was seized inside the lockup, as well as a large amount of bagging material. Gda O'Neill said there was evidence of large scale distribution of drugs at that premises.

Gardai also found numerous documents related to money transfers to an account in Thailand at Mr Slator's personal address. The accused’s mother’s address in Clondalkin was also searched under warrant and €125,110 in cash was seized, the court heard. Det Gda O’Neill said there was evidence Mr Slator was transferring money to Thailand and he would not turn up in court if bailed. John Griffin BL, for Slator, said the accused was presumed innocent and should be granted bail subject to conditions.

The accused was Irish with family here and was on disability allowance, he said. Granting bail, the judge said there must be two independent sureties of €7,500. Under conditions, Mr Slator is to surrender his passport, not apply for any other travel documents, provide a contact phone number, sign on daily at Clondalkin garda station and reside at his home address.