Personal Trainer Charged Over 3.9 Million Cannabis Seizure

Friday, 2 June 2023 15:37

By Caoimhe Harney

The man has been charged with possessing cannabis resin and herb for sale or supply

A personal trainer charged over a seizure of over 3-point-9 million worth of cannabis in Dublin has been released on bail pending directions from the DPP.

26-year-old Jamie Smith, of Corballis Cottage, Donabate, was arrested on May 26th at junction five of the M1 southbound, but denied knowing what was in the vehicle.

During a bail hearing on Monday, the seizure was described by a detective as a "big loss" for a criminal group.

Jamie Smith is charged with possessing cannabis resin and herb for sale or supply.

His bail was set at €16,000 and he was held pending a €10,000 lodgement. He faced his second hearing today at Dublin District Court.

He was released to appear again in September, and a file will be submitted to the DPP recommending further charges.

Gardai had objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the case.

Officers targeting an organised crime group trafficking drugs stopped a rental van driven by Jamie Smith, and found 11 cardboard boxes and two bags containing 187kilos of cannabis herb and 30kilos of cannabis resin.

He told the court he didn't know the contents of the boxes or packages and he was "simply driving the van".

He must sign on daily at a garda station, surrender his ID, and provide gardai with a contact phone number.

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