Four charged in connection with €5m cannabis seizure

A Dublin construction firm owner and three employees appeared in court facing charges related to the seizure of €5.1 million worth of cannabis. The court heard that the large quantity of drugs, totaling 255kg, was imported into Ireland concealed within a shipment of coffee tables.

The accused, identified as John Sheppard (61, owner of Streamville Construction), Dermot Hogan (51, company secretary), Anthony Daly (43, gas fitter), and Jason Gibbons (27), were charged with possession of cannabis and intent to supply. They were arrested by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau during a "controlled delivery" operation. The consignment had originated from Toronto, Canada.

During the operation, a Garda car was rammed. The court also heard details of the bail conditions granted to the four men, which include significant financial lodgments, surrendering passports, and regular signing on at their local garda stations. They were remanded in custody with consent to bail, awaiting their next appearance at Cloverhill District Court.