A CONTRACTS manager is alleged to have been caught with over €60,000 worth of drugs shortly after he lost his job, a court heard.
Paul Clare (36) is charged with simple possession of cannabis resin and having the drug for sale or supply at an industrial estate in Tallaght.
The alleged incident took place at Fourth Avenue, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght on August 19 last.
Detective Garda Sean Smith told Tallaght District Court that he arrested Clare at his home at Forest Lodge, Forest, Athy, Co Kildare at 6pm on August 20.
Garda Smith said Clare was taken to Tallaght Garda Station for questioning where he was detained under the provisions of the drug trafficking act.
He was charged the following day, on August 21, and was handed a true copy of the charge sheets. Garda Smith said Clare was cautioned and made no reply to the charges.
The detective alleged that the defendant was caught with 10 kilos of cannabis resin — which has a street value of about €60,000.
He asked the judge for 12 weeks for DPP’s directions. When questioned by Judge James McDonnell about the long remand, Garda Smith said the file going to the DPP is large and includes 55 statements.
Two other men were arrested with Clare and they are also due before the court.
Garda Smith said the defendant is also facing the possibility of more serious charges in relation to the drug find.
Defence solicitor Padraig O’Donovan was assigned on legal aid, after the court heard that Clare was working as a contracts manager for an engineering company, but lost his job in March.
Judge McDonnell adjourned the case to a date in December for DPP’s directions and possible further charges.
By Eimear Cotter
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