A Waterford man has appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District Court following an €8.4m drugs seizure in the Midlands earlier this month.
Tim Gilchrist, of Mavis Bank, Newrath, Waterford and pilot Michal Luczak, with an address at Primrose Avenue, Jigginstown, Naas, Co. Kildare were arrested on August 4th.
Gardaí had monitored a Cessna single-engine plane landing at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in Longford.
Later that evening, two vehicles near Lough Owel in Westmeath were intercepted - with 120 kilogrammes worth of cocaine found in one of the vehicles.
The two men appeared in court via video link - where Judge Alan Mitchell was told that Gardai needed more time to obtain direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) relating to a venue for the trial, as well as potential extra charges.
Lawyers for both Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Luczak agreed that the case will likely be heard in the Circuit Court - unless it is determined that the seizure wasn't relating to any illegal substances.
Detective Ivor Scully confirmed to the judge the substance was not sugar, adding, "no, it is not flour, not baking soda".
The two men are accused of possession of cocaine for sale or supply.
Mr. Gilchrist made no application for bail, while an application was refused for Mr Luczak.
Gilchrist made no reply to the charge, while a lawyer for Mr. Luczak told the court that he 'maintains his innocence'.
Judge Mitchell remanded the pair in continuing custody to appear again on September 8th, for directions from the DPP.
