Waterford District Court refuses jurisdiction in case of €10.6 million drugs seizure
Michael Murphy (61), with an address close to the Waterford and Kilkenny border appeared by video link before Judge John Cheatle.
A judge at Waterford District Court has refused jurisdiction in the case of a man charged in connection with a €10.6 million drug seizure in March.
Michael Murphy (61), with an address close to the Waterford and Kilkenny border, appeared by video link before Judge John Cheatle.
The defendant is charged with possession of cocaine contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply contrary to Section 15 of the same act on March 18, 2025.
Sergeant Michael Hickey asked the court to put the matter back for four weeks.
He told the court that a forensic certificate had been received, and he was "very hopeful" to have the DPP's decision on the next date.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham asked the court to consider jurisdiction in order to progress matters.
He said his client had been refused bail and that the figure associated with the charge was “significant”.
Judge Cheatle refused jurisdiction, remanded the defendant in custody and put the matter back to May 13.
In a statement at the time of the seizure, gardaí said they intercepted a HGV on the M9 in Kilkenny and searched two business premises and a residential address in Waterford.
During the operation, 152 kilograms of cocaine valued at €10.6 million, was discovered in what was called "a sophisticated vehicle concealment."
The drugs were seized as part of an operation carried out by gardaí with the support of the Revenue Customs Service, the Garda Dog Unit and the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit.
