Men charged over €21m cocaine seizure at Foynes Port to spend new year in jail

TWO MEN charged in connection with the seizure of €21m worth of cocaine at Foynes Port just before Christmas are to spend the new year in jail.

Nikola Penchev, aged 32, and Kamen Petkov, aged 35, both Bulgarian nationals, appeared before Judge Carol Anne Coolican via video-link this Friday morning.

The two men first appeared in court on Christmas Eve after they were charged with possession of a quantity of cocaine for sale and supply at Foynes Port on December 19, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

They were remanded in custody until this Friday, December 29 to appear via video-link at a vacation sitting of Limerick District Court.

Sergeant Denis Waters, prosecuting, said DPP's directions are awaited in relation to both men. A Bulgarian interpreter was in court to assist the defendants.

John Herbert, solicitor for Mr Penchev, asked for matters to be adjourned to January 9 via video-link.

Tom Kiely, solicitor for Mr Petkov, also asked for his client to appear via video-link at Limerick District Court on January 9.

Judge Coolican remanded Mr Penchev and Mr Petkov in custody to this date and noted that DPP’s directions are awaited. The judge also certified for a Bulgarian interpreter to attend court on that date.

Both the accused said “thank you” at the end of the short procedural hearing.

Four other men arrested in connection with the seizure have been released without charge. Files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Revenue officers boarded and searched a Maltese registered bulk cargo vessel (pictured above) in Foynes Port on December 19. It had arrived from Canada. 

Revenue officers identified and later seized approximately 300kg of cocaine with an estimated value of €21 million. Revenue have detained the vessel under section 33 of the Customs Act 2015. 

Investigations are continuing by Revenue and An Garda Síochána.