Gardaí argued Soheil Jelveh, who will appear in court again next week, was a flight risk given the seriousness of the charges and his lack of connections to Ireland
A 50-year-old-man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with the seizure of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth over €150 million aboard a ship off the south coast last week.
Soheil Jelveh, an Iranian national, was brought amid tight security before Wexford District Court where he was charged with a total of three offences in relation to the seizure the cocaine aboard the bulk carrier, MV Matthew off the Irish coast last week.
Mr Jelveh was charged that at a location within the state, he had in his possession cocaine, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and that he had in his possession cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 on September 24th, 2023.
Mr Jelveh was also charged with a third offence at a location within the state, he did import cocaine with a street value in excess of €13,000 in contravention of Section 15B of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, also on September 24th 2023.