Four facing trial after €376,000 drug haul

By EImear Cotter

FOUR men charged with drugs offences following the seizure of €376,000 worth of cannabis are to face trial.

Warren Bale (43), Kaide Fowler (27), Simon O'Donnell (37) and Francis O'Donnell (33) are accused of growing the cannabis without a licence.

They are facing trial by judge and jury in the Circuit Court after the DPP ruled the charges were too serious for the District Court.

Judge David McHugh remanded the men on continuing bail to a date next month for the service of the book of evidence.

Mr Bale, of Castlecurragh Vale, Ladyswell; Mr Fowler, of Deanstown Avenue, Finglas; Francis O'Donnell, of Meakstown Close, Finglas; and Simon O'Donnell, of St Philomena's Park, Ballycoolin; are charged with possession of cannabis as well as having the drug for sale or supply.

The incident allegedly took place at Meakstown Close, Finglas, last June 21.

The men are also accused of cultivating cannabis without a licence on the same date and location.

They are further charged under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, where the alleged value of the cannabis is greater than €13,000.

The estimated street value of the seized drug is €376,000.

hnews@herald.ie