Three men charged over a €2 million drugs seizure in Dublin earlier this year are to face trial by judge and jury in the circuit court, it was confirmed on Friday.
Gary Hanley 35, Sean Mackey, 53, and Jie Liu, 39, were arrested and charged in February following a Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) operation.
Mr Hanley, from North Great Clarence Street, Dublin 1, who is on disability benefit, has been charged with unlawful possession of 100 kilos of cannabis and having the drugs for sale or supply after Gardaí intercepted vehicles on the N3 northbound on February 22.
Casino croupier Mr Mackey, of Blessington Street, Dublin 7, who is originally from South Africa, is also charged with unlawful possession of the cannabis and having the drugs for sale or supply on the N3 northbound on February 22.
Mr Liu, a food delivery driver formerly of Cedar Grove, Swords, Co Dublin, is charged with unlawful possession of the cannabis and further charged with having the drugs for sale or supply as well as possessing a further €1 million worth of cannabis, MDMA, amphetamines and ketamine at an apartment in West End Villas, Blanchardstown, Dublin 14, allegedly leased by him.
On Friday, the three appeared on bail before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court.
GNDOCB Detective Dean Healy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment in the circuit court. He also said the three can go forward to the circuit court for sentencing on a signed guilty plea, should that arise.
Detective Healy requested a ten-week adjournment for the service of the books of evidence. Judge McHugh adjourned the cases until June 17.
At an earlier court hearing, it was alleged that Gary Hanley drove to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in a Hyundai Tucson and met two other vehicles. Mr Mackey was allegedly in a Toyota Corolla, and Mr Liu drove an Opel Vivaro van.
After a short interaction, the detective claimed they drove to Athboy Co. Meath, where phones were exchanged.
At the contested bail hearing earlier this year, it was said that they drove back to Dublin in a "close proximity" convoy but were intercepted on the N3 northbound.
About 100 kilos of cannabis worth €2 million were recovered in the van allegedly driven by Mr Liu.
The court had heard that Gary Hanley's car was stopped a short distance away, and he allegedly locked the doors as Gardaí approached and that it was claimed he began to "smash" a phone.
It was alleged an additional €1 million worth of various drugs were found following a search at the apartment rented by him in Blanchardstown.
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