A MAN was granted bail after he was brought before a court and charged in connection with a Garda seizure of €140,000 of cocaine in Limerick City.
Evan Stokes (32), of Meat Market Lane, Englishtown, Limerick City, appeared before Limerick District Court on two criminal charges arising out of the seizure of cocaine, which was made on May 20.
Mr Evans was charged with one count of possessing cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He was also charged with one count of possessing cocaine, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleges that Mr Stokes was in possession of the cocaine at Englishtown on May 20.
Detective Garda Cormac Ryan, Limerick Garda Divisional Drugs Unit, gave evidence in court that he charged Mr Stokes with the two offences at Henry Street Garda Station.
Detective Garda Ryan said the accused did not reply after he was charged, cautioned, and handed a copy of his alleged offences.
Gardaí seized the 2kg of cocaine as part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Limerick area.
The cocaine seizure was conducted under Operation Tara, a national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021, focusing on disrupting and prosecuting the illegal drugs trade at all levels.
Sergeant Sean Murray, Roxboro Road Garda Station, told the court that a further file on the investigation that led to the charges against Mr Stokes would be sent to the DPP, and that Gardaí were awaiting further directions from the Director’s office.
Sergeant Murray said Gardaí had no objection to bail, provided the accused agreed to abide by a number of bail terms.
Mr Stokes’ mother gave evidence in court that she would provide a €1,000 cash surety in order to have her son released on bail. She told the court she understood that she would forfeit the €1,000 if the accused breached any of the bail conditions.
Judge Adrian Harris granted an application by Sgt Murray for a lengthy adjournment to allow investigating Gardaí receive further DPP directions.
The judge remanded Mr Stokes on bail to appear before Limerick District Court for further directions in November.
