Two men have appeared in court in connection with a €14 million drug seizure.
Nearly 200kgs of cocaine as well as 4kgs of cannabis herb were seized during operations in County Laois and County Dublin on Tuesday.
45-year-old Robert Wojtanowicz of Manor Grove, Mountmellick was charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine for his own use and with possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or for supply.
Robert Cup, a 44-year-old man from Marlfield Gardens, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis for his own use and with possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or for supply.
He was also charged with money laundering.
A Garda station. Image: AlamyGardaí said a third man who was arrested in connection to the incident was released without charge.
Portlaoise District Court was told around 182kgs of cocaine and 4kgs of cannabis herb was seized in Mountmellick.
In a follow-up search in Rathcoole, around 17kgs of cocaine was seized along with €25,000 in cash.
Judge John Brennan refused bail and remanded both men to Cloverhill Prison to appear again at Portlaoise District Court by video link on February 13th.
He reserved his judgement on granting free legal aid until the next sitting of the case.
Portlaoise courthouse, County Laois. Image: Alamy
