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14 Jan 2026
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14 Jan 2026
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Portlaoise District Court
Legal aid was reserved in the case of a man who is accused of having 116 kgs of drugs valued at over €8 million in Laois.
Thomas Ryan (39) of Wood View, Boulick, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co Tipperary, is accused of possessing the drugs for sale or supply at Killnaseer, Rathdowney, Laois on October 28 last.
He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Andrew Dunne BL applied for legal aid.
The court was told the defendant had secured High Court bail on December 16.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby requested a three month adjournment for DPP directions. He said the case was being investigated by Det Garda Stephen Gillespie from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
“It is an allegedly very large sum of drugs,” said Sgt Kirby.
Judge Susan Fay suggested a date of April 13 for DPP directions.
Mr Dunne said he had no issue with that and he requested legal aid. Mr Dunne said his client was unemployed and in receipt of a carers allowance.
“Legal aid is reserved pending full statement of means being provided,” said Judge Fay.
Mr Dunne said “we can have that vouched on the next occasion”.
The case was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on April 13.
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