Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 6057Conspiracy to import drugs · Co. Cork

High Court refuses bail for three of ten men charged over Tragumna pier drugs conspiracy

Gardaí arrested 10 men in Tragumna, Co Cork, on March 14 and charged them with conspiring to import drugs into Ireland, after a concerned citizen alerted them to vehicles at Tragumna Pier in the early hours of March 12. The three men whose bail applications were heard first are Seán Curran (37), from Carrickyheenan, Aughnacloy, Co Fermanagh, Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega (34) and Angel Serran Padilla (39), both from Malaga, Spain. The men were remanded in custody after District Court appearances, and at a High Court bail hearing before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, bail was refused for those three. The latest development is that seven other bail applications were adjourned until the following Friday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court19 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The High Court heard that a modified 40-ft inflatable boat was used to meet a mothership at sea and return with drugs.
Where
The boat had been brought to a yard in Omagh, Co Tyrone, where Seán Curran worked.
When
  • Gardaí were alerted to vehicles at Tragumna Pier in the early hours of March 12.
  • Gardaí arrested 10 men in Tragumna, Co Cork, on March 14.
Investigation
  • A concerned citizen alerted gardaí about the vehicles at Tragumna Pier.
  • Gardaí believe the incident was part of a sophisticated operation by an international crime group.
  • Gardaí recovered walkie-talkies, personal phones, satellite burner phones and maritime clothing.
  • The total cost of materials, including the boat, travel and accommodation, was estimated at €700,000.
Charges
  • The 10 men were charged with conspiring to import drugs into Ireland.
  • The drugs were alleged to be worth in excess of €13,000.
In court
  • The men were remanded in custody after District Court appearances.
  • At a High Court bail hearing before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, bail was refused for three of the accused.
  • The State said there were concerns the accused would not turn up for trial and could interfere with evidence or witnesses if released.
  • Seven of the bail applications were adjourned until the following Friday.
Other details
Garda Armed Support Units were posted to the courthouse for the proceedings.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA modified 40-ft inflatable boat was said to have been used to meet a mothership at sea and return with drugs. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe boat had been brought to a yard in Omagh, Co Tyrone, where Seán Curran worked. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenGardaí were alerted to vehicles at Tragumna Pier in the early hours of March 12th. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí arrested 10 men in Tragumna, Co Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationA concerned citizen alerted gardaí about vehicles at Tragumna Pier. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí believe the incident was part of a sophisticated operation by an international crime group. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí recovered walkie-talkies, personal phones, satellite burner phones and maritime clothing. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe total cost of materials, including the boat, travel and accommodation, was estimated at €700,000. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe men were charged with conspiring to import drugs into Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe drugs were alleged to be worth in excess of €13,000. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMs Justice Karen O’Connor said she was not satisfied she could grant bail. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBail applications for three of the accused were refused. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSeven of the bail applications were adjourned until the following Friday. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe State said there were concerns the accused would not turn up for trial and could interfere with evidence or witnesses if released. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherGarda Armed Support Units were posted to the courthouse for the proceedings. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Apr2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Boat with ‘stealth capabilities’ left Tragumna pier to meet ‘mothership’ and collect drugs, court told

    High Court bail hearing for ten accused. Applications for three men were refused and seven were adjourned to the following Friday. The article gives the arrest date as 14 March and the pier activity as the early hours of 12 March, without a year.

    accused, Seán Curran, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)Seán Curranaccused, Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, 34, male, namedPedro Padio Ojeda Ortegaaccused, Angel Serran Padilla, 39, male, namedAngel Serran Padillaaccused, Ali Mazidi, 46, male, Dutch, named, non-irishAli Mazidiaccused, Kiumaars Ghabiri, 55, male, Dutch, named, non-irishKiumaars Ghabiriaccused, Alexander Milic, 36, male, Serbian, named, non-irishAlexander Milicaccused, Antonio Gallardo Barrofo, 55, male, namedAntonio Gallardo Barrofoaccused, Raul Tabares, 48, male, namedRaul Tabaresaccused, Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz, 43, male, namedMario Angel Del Rio Sanzaccused, Anuar Rahui, 41, male, namedAnuar Rahui