No bail for man facing €18k airport drug charge
A SOMALI national arrested at Dublin Airport over a seizure of what is suspected to be almost €18,000 worth of the illegal herbal drug “khat” has been remanded in custody.
Yusuf Guled, 56, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday following his arrest on Friday at Terminal 2.
The court heard Guled, who has an address at Meerkoetlaan 63, 2623 NG Delft, in the Netherlands, flew to Ireland from Johannesburg via Dubai.
Judge John Hughes deferred granting legal aid until a vouched statement of his means was furnished to the court.
“He had means, by some method, to pay a significant amount for an airfare,” Judge Hughes stated, adding he wanted to know “how he funded his travel to Ireland”. The court heard the value of the seizure was €17,800.
Guled, who listened to the proceedings with the aid of an interpreter, did not address the court.
He is accused of unlawful importation and possession of the drug and having it for sale or supply.
Judge Hughes heard evidence that he told gardai in Ballymun station: “I didn’t know khat was illegal in Ireland”.
Gardai intended to object to bail due to flight risk concerns, and the court heard he had no ties to this jurisdiction.
Defence counsel Kevin Mccrave said the accused was reserving his position on bail at this stage.
Guled was remanded in custody to appear again on March 15.
The court heard that the accused could face an additional charge contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which, on conviction, can carry a 10-year sentence.
Gardai must first get directions from the DPP.
Khat is primarily used in East African and Middle Eastern countries, and gives users a similar rush to amphetamines.