An Irish businessman has been remanded in custody after being charged in connection with the seizure of €10.6 million worth of cocaine.
The accused, identified as Michael Murphy, aged in his 60s and from the Kilkenny/Waterford area, appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court.
Murphy faced charges under Section 3 and Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, relating to the possession of drugs and the possession of drugs for sale and supply.
Detective Garda Stephen Lane informed the court that when charged under Section 3, the accused admitted he was aware of the drugs in the vehicle.
During the hearing, Defence solicitor Chris Hogan applied for bail on behalf of Murphy. However, Prosecuting Garda Sergeant Stephen Ennis opposed the application.
Det Gda Lane, who is part of the Waterford Garda Division, outlined details of the surveillance operation that led to the discovery of a sophisticated drugs distribution hub.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of 152kg of cocaine hidden inside a secret compartment in a truck.
The truck was intercepted by gardaí on the M9 in Co Kilkenny last Tuesday. The vehicle had been modified to include a concealed storage area, a tactic that has been uncovered during several Garda operations in recent years.
Due to the complexity of the compartment’s design, the truck was transported to Dublin Port, where a special scanner was used to conduct an X-ray. This revealed the precise location and structure of the hidden area, allowing officers to access the drugs.
The concealed compartment featured a hydraulic system that was electronically controlled, ensuring the drugs remained securely hidden.
The operation involved members of the DOCS and Waterford Drug and Crime Units, supported by the Revenue Customs Service and the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit. Following the truck’s seizure, officers conducted searches at two business premises and a residential address in Co Waterford.
During the court proceedings, Defence solicitor Chris Hogan insisted that Murphy was willing to comply with all bail conditions.
He confirmed that the accused had already surrendered his passport and driving licence. He argued that Murphy had strong links to his local community, describing him as a family man and business owner.
Judge Kevin Staunton acknowledged that Murphy was entitled to the presumption of innocence and had a right to bail. However, citing concerns over the €10.6m value of the drugs, he refused the bail request.
The accused was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Waterford District Court on Tuesday.
The court also granted a request that the defendant’s address not be published.
