UPDATE: Delays in alleged €2 million drugs case criticised by Kildare solicitor

Delays in a case involving a suspected haul of around €2 million worth of cocaine have been criticised.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly made the comments at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 28, while representing John Donaghy, of Ballynamullagh in Carbury, but who is currently in custody.

The case was previously before the court back in July, where it was alleged the 59-year-old was charged with having drugs for sale or supply on July 15 last at Ballynamullagh.

It was alleged that during an initial search, gardaí seized approximately 29 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of around €2m.

Gardaí also claimed that €111,000 in cash was also seized.

It was heard that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were due on the latest date, but were not ready.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said that he also took issue with the waiting time for the suspected drugs to be analysed, saying: "Alleged cocaine is alleged cocaine, whether it’s a large amount of a small amount."

KILDARE: Information sought on Traveller accommodation site

Kildare Senator supports motion to improve the lives of family carers

Senator O'Loughlin is also the Chair of the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus

In response, Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob said that there is also a money laundering investigation being considered for the defendant.

He added: "We are aware that this is a high-profile case, and we are working as hard as we can do deal with this case."

Mr Kennelly said that the amount of time that has passed between July (when his client first entered into custody) and now 'is unacceptable.'

"There has been no progress for the last two months," Mr Kennelly said: "And as for the money laundering investigation, it's (allegedly) all cash (in this case), so bank accounts are unlikely to play a large part in the investigation."

Sgt Jacob responded that money laundering investigations are 'complex', and added that 'a number of items' have been seized as a result of the current investigation against Mr Donaghy.

However, Mr Kennelly disagreed with this assertion, asking: "If the evidence from the gardaí is apparently so strong, then why is the investigation so complex?"

Judge Zaidan ultimately sided with Sgt Jacob's comment about the investigation taking time, saying that his client faces 'serious allegations', especially regarding the alleged quantity and type of suspected drug involved.

He added: "It would be wrong of me not to give the State more time in this investigation."

The judge further said: "Not to compromise anyone, but in an investigation on this scale, it's not just one person, and I'll leave it at that."

He remanded Mr Donaghy in custody to October 12, which is when the case is due to resume.

DPP directions in the case are due on this date.