Three men have appeared before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Cork in connection with the discovery of 60kg of what is believed to be cocaine.
Albanian nationals Gentjan Dodaj (39) of Paradise Road, Athlone in Co Westmeath and Donatel Dodaj (22) of the same address were charged alongside Romanian national Daniel Afedoaei (22) of Sli an Aifreann in Athlone.
Olivia Kellegher reported for the Irish Mirror that an interpreter was required to assist Donatel Dodaj “who was wearing a dark Tommy Hilfiger top and trousers.”
Counsel for Donatel Dodaj said he had arrived in Ireland four weeks ago and was living with his brother who was “the first named accused”.
The discovery of the substance came about after an intelligence led operation by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service.
The suspected cocaine has a street value of approximately €4,200,000.
All three men were awarded free legal aid by Judge Treasa Kelly who heard that Gentjan Dodaj was ‘in the process of setting up a business’ and was now of ‘no means’.
Romanian Daniel Afedoaei who the court was told works as a mechanic was also granted free legal aid.
Donatel Dodaj was also awarded free legal aid, with no application for bail being made in relation to the three accused.
All three are to appear before the courts on the 14th of August next.
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