Andrew Noonan, Sinn Fein Ireland, Heroin

3 Million Euro worth of Heroin

Two men charged in connection with the seizure of up to €3 million worth of heroin in Dublin have appeared in the District Court at the Courts of Criminal Justice. 

31-year-old Keith Quinn, with an address at Monastery Gate Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin, and 41-year-old Andrew Noonan, with an address at Redhills Park, Ellistown, Co Kildare, were charged with possession of illegal drugs and possession with the intent to supply.

The court heard that they were arrested after a joint intelligence operation carried out by gardaí and Revenue Customs officers on 5 August at a business park in Dublin 11.

Background:
Mr John Noonan, Andrew's Father, admitted during his failed tax appeal that he was a senior member of Sinn Fein/PIRA until 2004 and had a bank account under the name of Peter Simpson which was operated for Sinn Fein/PIRA.

Garda Liam Ahern told the court that a package of drugs seized contained 20 kilogrammes of diamorphine with a street value of between €2.8m and €3m.

Mr Quinn and Mr Noonan were detained in a nearby car park and brought to Blanchardstown Garda station. 

In court gardaí said that when they were charged, Mr Noonan gave no comment and Mr Quinn made no reply.

Defence for Mr Noonan, solicitor Claire Usher appealed for bail saying the defendant had four children and is tied to his community. 

Mr Quinn's solicitor Karl Monaghan said his client was a high profile person, having played football in England and in the League of Ireland, and that he had no previous convictions.

Gardaí objected to bail for both suspects on the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of flight risk.

Bail was refused by Mr Justice John Brennan and the two men were remanded in custody. 

Mr Quinn and Mr Noonan are due to appear at Cloverhill District Court on 13 August via video link.