Another man charged in connection with the largest seizure of drugs in the history of the state has appeared in court in Cork.

He is the eighth person to appear before the courts after the Army Ranger Wing boarded the cargo ship MV Matthew off the Cork coast last Tuesday.

There was a heightened Garda presence outside Midleton District Court as the man was produced by Gardaí.

30-year-old Philippines national Harold Estoesta was charged with conspiracy to possess and supply over €13,000 worth of cocaine.

Detective Garda Redmond O’Leary told the court that Mr Estoesta was arrested on board the MV Matthew cargo ship at Marino Point yesterday.

Detective O’Leary said that, when the charge was put to him, Mr Estoesta said: “I believe that I just followed the orders of my seniors. I was also tricked and informed these were spare parts. I wish to defend myself against accusations. I believe I was innocent and deserve to be free.”

Bail cannot be granted by the District Court in this case and Judge Colm Roberts remanded Mr Estoesta in custody to appear before Mallow District court via video link next Tuesday.

Defence solicitor Aidan Desmond told the court that he has been in contact with the Philippines Consulate and asked that his client be allowed to meet with their officials.

Reporting from Newstalk’s Southern Reporter Jamie O’Hara at Midleton District Court.