Man Arrested for Importation of Cannabis at Dublin Airport
A Malaysian man was arrested at Dublin Airport after landing with €420,000 worth of suspected cannabis, believing he was importing “precious bird nests”. Lowe Kim Swee (35) and Chong Chong Nen (45) appeared at Dublin District Court on charges of unlawful importation and possession of cannabis for sale or supply on June 2nd.
Garda Pierce O’Dwyer informed Judge Alan Mitchell that Mr. Swee, with the assistance of an interpreter, did not reply to the charges at Ballymun station. His defense solicitor, Tracy Horan, mentioned that Mr. Swee expressed a desire to plead guilty and have his case expedited to the Circuit Court.
Judge Mitchell highlighted the alleged value of €420,000 and weight of 21 kilogrammes of the substance. Ms. Horan stated that her client believed he was transporting bird nests, not drugs, into the country.
The decision regarding the trial venue and potential transfer to the Circuit Court is pending further communication with the DPP. The co-defendant did not enter a plea or request bail, awaiting directions from the DPP.
Both men were granted legal aid and had the assistance of a Mandarin-Chinese interpreter during their court appearances. The case is set to continue on Wednesday.