Romanian man appears in court in connection with €6.5m Rosslare drugs haul

Romanian man appears in court in connection with €6.5m Rosslare drugs haul

A 49-year-old Romanian man arrested for the possession of drugs with an estimated value of €6.5m said ‘I’m sorry’ at a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Sunday night.

Before the court in Gorey before Judge Kevin Staunton was Ionel Gusman, a Romanian national, who appeared on two charges.

Mr Gusman was charged with possession of a controlled drug, including cocaine, cannabis, and herbal cannabis, for unlawful sale or supply to another person in contravention of regulations under Section 5 of the Drugs Act at Ballygillane, Rosslare, on Friday, February 16.

He was further charged with possession of drugs Under Section 15 of the Drugs Act with a market value of €13,000 or more.

Garda Brian Delaney told the court that, on Friday, February 16, at the Customs & Excise compound in Ballygillane, Rosslare, he arrested the accused and conveyed him to Wexford Garda Station.

Garda Delaney also told the court that he charged the accused at 12.20pm on Sunday.

Garda Delaney said that after being cautioned on each charge, the accused responded ‘I’m sorry’.

Sergeant Stephen Ennis applied for a remand in custody to Wexford District Court on Tuesday to appear via video link.

Defence Counsel Ross Pratt O’Brien requested that the defendant receive medical attention as required while in custody. He said the accused man is suffering from Diabetes 2 while he also had suffered a recent heart attack.

Judge Staunton said he would direct that the accused receive medical attention as requested.

On the application of Ross Pratt O’Brien, the judge also granted an application for free legal aid and that a translator be provided.

The accused man, who stood beside a translator, did not speak during the brief hearing.

Wearing blue jeans and a casual top, the accused man was led from the court by gardaí at the conclusion of the hearing.

Would you like a lunchtime summary of content highlights on the Irish Examiner website? Delivered straight to your inbox at 1pm each day.