Tipperary man makes no comment as he appears in court over €8m drugs find

A Tipperary man has been remanded in custody after appearing in Portlaoise District Court arising from a major drugs seizure in rural Co Laois. 

Thomas Ryan, aged 39, of Boulick, Thurles, Co Tipperary, appeared before a special sitting of Judge Andrew Cody in Portlaoise District Court on Thursday, October 30.

Detective Garda Stephen Gillespie of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He told the court that he arrested Ryan on October 29, 2025, at 9.59pm at Abbeyleix Garda Station. A short time later he charged the accused under Sections 15 and 3 of the Misuse of Drugs. He cautioned the accused after each charge, but there was no reply. 

Det Gillespie said there would be an objection to bail, but the accused's barrister, Andrew Dunne, said his client would not be applying for bail. Det Gillespie also requested a statement of means of the accused. 

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Judge Cody remanded the accused in custody until November 3 to appear before Portlaoise District Court by video link.  He reserved a decision on the granting of legal aid pending a full statement of means being produced.

The charges relate to the possession of drugs for sale or supply and possession of drugs at an address in the townsland of Kilnasser, Rathowney, Co Laois on October 28.

Gardaí seized of an estimated €8.1 m in cocaine in Laois on October 28 and arrested of a man during an operation carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau as part of Operation Tara.