A man has appeared before Limerick District Court charged in connection with the seizure of cannabis plants worth an estimated €115,000.
Marian Andrzejak (23), a Polish national of no fixed abode, was arrested on Monday afternoon agfter gardaí searched a house at Creanville, Crean, Athlacca, Co Limerick and discovered 136 cannabis plants.
Mr Andrzejak was charged with four counts under the Drugs Trafficking Act, including possession of cannabis; possession of cannabis for sale or supply; and cultivating cannabis.
He was also charged with possession of cannabis worth more than €13,000, for sale or supply, an offence which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years on conviction on indictment.
Gardaí discovered heating and lighting equipment associated with the cultivation of cannabis plants at the house.
Solicitor John Herbert told the court Mr Andrzejak was “a man of no means”.
The court granted the accused free legal aid.
Mr Herbert objected to the case proceeding until a Polish interpreter was present in court. “There is no interpreter present and Mr Andrzejak has no English. He’s Polish. The matter cannot proceed at this point,” Mr Herbert told Judge Marian O’Leary.
Garda Ken McEvoy, Bruff Garda station, gave evidence that a Polish interpreter had been present while Mr Andrzejak was in custody, and the accused understood the charges against him.
“He made no reply when charged,” Garda McEvoy added.
The matter was adjourned for over two hours until an interpreter was found.
After the hearing resumed Mr Herbert asked that an interpreter be provided to his client while he was on remand in Limerick Prison to take instructions in preparation for a bail application next Tuesday.
Mr Andrzejac was remanded in custody to appear again before Limerick District Court on July 7th.