BREAKING: Kildare man's own CCTV system showed him involved in €2m cocaine case - claim

Images of an alleged drugs transfer involving a County Kildare man were captured on his own CCTV system Naas District Court heard.

John Donaghy, 59, whose address was given as Ballynamullagh, Carbury, and Slawomir Wojtyniak, 42, whose address was given as 7 The Oaks, Lakepoint, Mullingar are charged with having drugs for sale or supply on July 15 at Ballynamullagh, Carbury.

According to the Garda Press Office, members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau seized cocaine and cannabis valued in excess of €2.1m, as well as over €112,000 cash following searches in Kildare and Westmeath on Saturday July 15.

It’s alleged that during an initial search, gardaí seized approximately 29kgs of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of around €2m and €112,050 in cash was also seized.

As part of follow up searches, a pill manufacturing facility was allegedly discovered. Cannabis with an estimated street value of €125,000 was allegedly seized along with other drug paraphernalia. A cannabis cultivation facility was also discovered, it was claimed.

This operation was conducted as part of Operation Tara and a number of people were detained, the GPO concluded.

A second court hearing was told that the case arose from an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Garda National Organised Crime Bureau against an organised crime group in County Kildare.

Garda O’Neill said the property near Carbury was placed under surveillance and  a van was seen arriving at the home of Mr Donaghy, who met the driver and at his home and took two refuse bags from the red van and placed them into a Mondeo vehicle. Gda O’Neill, opposing a bail application by the defendant, said he was observed locking the vehicle.

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“He took delivery of the cocaine and moved it into the boot of a car”, adding this was captured by the defendant’s own CCTV. He added that the Mondeo was registered to that address.

Gda O’Neill also said that the defendant had changed his name by deed poll to Donaghy but a new British passport, which was found in the house, had been issued in his previous name.

Gda O’Neill said that due to the loss of the drugs, the defendant may be pressured by an organised crime gang to commit offences.

He added the defendant has a cocaine dependency and poses a significant flight risk.

He said the defendant does not have solid ties in this jurisdiction, is not working and has no legitimate earnings. He described the house as a rented dwelling with no lease in place. He said the man’s  partner indicated she intends to return to the UK.

His co-defendant’s case was adjourned to December 6.

He told defending solicitor Tim Kennelly that there is a significant organsied crime group working in the area.

He added he believed the defendant has resided here for six years.

Mr Kennelly said the conditions including signing on twice daily and observing a strict curfew would deal with any fears surrounding the granting of bail.

The defendant addressed the court by videolink and said he accepted he made a mistake “under pressure from people.”

He said he did have an addiction but has ceased using cocaine five weeks previously.

He would honour any bail conditions adding he has four beautiful children, who are Irish citizens and they are entitled to claim benefits here, adding his partner will stay here.

Cross examined by Sgt Dave Hanrahan, the defendant said he changed his name  because he didn’t want his children discriminated against. He said he returned his old passport to get it renewed in April and did not realise this was an offence.

“If your children get threatened it’s not a nice situation,” he said. The defendant works for an entity taking vans to be mechanically tested.

“I don’t have any money, I’m not a wealthy man. I have a drug debt,” he said. 

He added he started to take cocaine 20 years ago but was not addicted

Judge Joanne Carroll noted the defendant had admitted a drug debt and said she believed he would commit further offences.

He was remanded in custody to June 26 when he will appear by videolink.

His co-defendant’s case was adjourned to December 6.