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US mother and son remanded in custody over €1m cannabis seizure

The mother and son appeared before Dublin District Court
The mother and son appeared before Dublin District Court

A US mother and son charged over a seizure of almost €1 million worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport on Sunday have been remanded in custody.

Hellasha Tingman, 48, and her 30-year-old son Shawndell Gaston, of the Bronx, New York in the United States, were each charged with unlawful possession and importation of cannabis, and having it for sale or supply.

They appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court facing bail objections.

Garda Sinead Deevy gave evidence of the arrest of Ms Tingman at customs in Terminal 2 under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The court heard the woman gave no reply when charged with possessing 26.2kg of cannabis in two suitcases, with an approximate value of €524,000.

Questioned by defence barrister Paddy Flynn, instructed by solicitor Tracy Horan, the garda agreed the overall seizure involved 49kg of cannabis.

She agreed with the barrister that the woman had an address in the Bronx and had been on an inbound flight from New York's John F Kennedy International Airport.

Mr Flynn said his client earns $177 (€151) a week and pays $790 (€674) in rent.

Judge Kelly held she was entitled to legal aid and noted Ms Tingman was making a bail application at this stage.

She remanded her in custody to appear again.

Garda Thomas Bourke said Mr Gaston made no reply when charged with the same category of offences in connection with the rest of the seizure.

His solicitor, Paddy McGarry, said his client was not applying for bail at this stage.

Judge Kelly allowed Mr Gatson legal aid.

She remanded them in custody to appear again on 11 July for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.