TWO MEN HAVE been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged in connection with a suspected €2 million drugs haul in Co Louth.

During the course of a planned search involving members of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau, the Drogheda Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenue, approximately 100 kilograms of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of €2 million was seized last Friday.

Richard Setchfield (64) of St Laurence’s Park, Drogheda and Christopher Hanratty (49) of The Courtyard Main, St Dunleer, Co Louth appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court this morning accused of possession of cannabis at Belpatrick, Kells Road, Collon, Co Louth on 29 April and possession of the drug for the purpose of sale or supply to another on the same date.

Garda John Walsh told the court that Setchfield made no reply when charged with the offences at Drogheda garda station while detective garda Fiona Mackin told Judge Eirinn McKiernan that Hanratty made no reply to the charges.

Solicitor Barry Callan told the judge that no request was being made on behalf of either accused for bail at this time.

Judge McKiernan remanded both men in custody to appear at Dundalk District Court on Wednesday next via videolink and following a request from the solicitor, directed they each receive any necessary medical attention while in custody.

The judge also directed that gardaí be given 48 hours notice in advance of any bail application on behalf of either accused.