A man has been charged with operating a hydroponic cannabis growing factory and cultivating an estimated €50,000 worth of the drug.
Mark Webster (37 ) with an address at 5 New Road, Galway, was brought in custody before Galway District Court on Monday charged with possession of cannabis, possession of the drug with intent to sell or supply, and cultivating plants of the genus cannabis.
Giving evidence of arrest, charge, and caution Garda Cathal Rodgers told the court that at 8.45pm on January 23, 2010, he arrested the accused at his home and brought him to Galway Garda station where he was detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking ) Act. The following day, Webster was charged with the offences to which he gave no reply.
Inspector Pat McHugh said that DPP directions were not ready and that the State would object to bail. Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor informed the court that no application for bail would be made.
The court also heard that Webster, who is currently in rented accommodation, is a carpenter by trade but is unemployed.
Judge Mary Fahy granted free legal aid and remanded Webster in custody to appear again at Galway District Court on February 1 for DPP directions.
