Killarney District Court heard it’s believed a man accused of possessing €20,000 worth of suspected cannabis is part of a criminal gang in Munster, which operates through Snapchat.
36-year-old Tyrone Kelly of 9, the Anchorage, Tralee, appeared before the local court, facing a charge of the possession of a banned substance for sale or supply.
His application for bail was refused by Judge David Waters.
It’s being alleged that on the 23rd May, 2021 at Apartment 10, Bock B, Wild Atlantic Apartments, Killarney, Tyrone Kelly had in his possession cannabis worth in excess of €20,000.
Detective Garda Neil O’Sullivan sought for the bail application to be refused for a number of reasons, including: the seriousness of the charge; the nature and strength of the evidence; and a belief that Mr Kelly poses a flight risk.
Gardaí also believe the accused is affiliated with a criminal gang in Munster, which operates through Snapchat, a social media app.
Detective O’Sullivan said it’s being alleged the accused was caught red-handed with the drugs, along with a mobile phone and weighing scales.
He also said gardaí have concerns Mr Kelly won’t show up for trial if given bail, due to previous bench warrants having been issued, currently having a short-term lease in an apartment, and having spent a considerable amount of time in Portugal over the past year.
The court heard that Mr Kelly has booked a flight to Portugal, which departs Dublin this evening.
The accused told the court he booked the one-way flight to as he was unsure if he and his partner would spend a week or two there, but would return for any court appearance.
Defending solicitor Pat Mann said his client, who’s a self-employed painter and decorator, booked the flight for his birthday, which was two days ago.
Judge David Waters refused the bail application and ordered Mr Kelly to reappear in court later this week.
