Coolmountain trio arrested in Portugal on drug charges

THREE people who were detained on European arrest warrants and transported back to Ireland appeared before Judge James McNulty at Bantry District Court to face drugs charges.

Manu Gohl (32) and James Varty (39), both of whom gave Coolmountain, Dunmanway, as their address, were remanded in custody, but the third defendant, Abigal Farthing, who also gave Coolmountain as her address, was released on bail.

All three were due to appear at the next sitting of Bandon District Court on Thursday, March 21st on charges arising from the seizure of cannabis valued at €187,000 from a growhouse at Derragh, Dunmanway, on January 18th 2016.

Manu Gohl and James Varty, who are being legally represented by Plunkett Taaffe, and Abigal Farthing, who is being legally repre-sented by Eamonn Fleming, are each facing four charges.

They are charged with: cannabis possession; possession of cannabis for sale or supply; possession of cannabis (worth in excess of €13,000) for sale or supply; and the cultivation of cannabis.

Manu Gohl is facing two additional charges. It is alleged that on Ju-ly 2nd 2015 at Coolmountain he had in his possession two type of synthetic drugs – namely MDMA – for sale or supply.

Det Gda Andrew Manning gave evidence at Bantry District Court that all three were arrested on foot of a European arrest warrant in Portugal and flown back to Ireland.

Mr Taaffe indicated that he would not be making a bail application ‘at this stage’ but he sought, and was granted, free legal aid, as was Mr Fleming in the case against Abigal Farthing.

Sgt Paul Kelly said Abigal Farthing could be released on bail provided she sign on at Bantry Garda Station every Monday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

The accused must also surrender her expired passport.

She must give an un-ertaking not to apply for a new one; reside with her mother at Gurranes North, Drimoleague; and provide a mobile number at which she can be contacted 24/7 by the gardaí.

Judge McNulty set bail at €5,000, with €2,000 provided in cash by the accused’s mother.