Ireland holds two Estonians drugs bust

DUBLIN - Two Estonian nationals were arrested by Irish Police (the 'Gardai') following the seizure of cannabis valued at IR£2.5 million (about $2,881,000) at the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal on the republic's south coast on July 29. Toomas Puusepp, 24, and Andres Sumil, 40, were charged with attempting to import the haul at a special sitting of Midleton County Court in County Cork on the night of July 30.

They were arraigned on four separate charges, importing cannabis resin, possessing cannabis, possessing cannabis for sale or supply, and possessing IR£10,000 worth or more of cannabis.

Detective Garda Eileen Foster of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad told the court that when Puusup was arrested, charged and cautioned, he made no reply in relation to the importation charge.

He admitted to the charge of possession, but claimed it was not his intention to sell the consignment. He made no further comment. Sumil offered no reply on any of the charges at the time of arrest.

Council for both men's defense, Donal Daly, requested bail, but this was refused by Judge Uinsinn Mac Gruaire following an objection lodged by the senior arresting officer, Detective Inspector Tony Quilter.

There was a subsequent special sitting on Aug. 7, when the pair were further remanded in custody until Aug. 21, when they will appear at Cork District Court.