A DUBLIN MAN charged with running a crime gang and cocaine smuggling is to face a non-jury Special Criminal Court trial.

The Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) decision in Brian Grendon’s case was revealed after fresh charges were brought against him today at Dublin District Court.

Grendon, 48, was arrested following an investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau after returning to the country. He was remanded in custody on 26 January.

The primary charge alleges that between 1 August and 17 September, 2024, within the State, he directed “the activities of a criminal organisation in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and the money laundering of the proceeds of the sale of those drugs,” contrary to Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

Grendon of Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, appeared again and was charged with five additional connected offences.

They related to the unlawful importation of cocaine worth €13,000 or more into the State via Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford.

These offences allegedly occurred over three time periods in 2024: 7 August, 2 September to 9 September, and 10 August to 13 September.

The were also two money laundering allegations involving possession of the proceeds of crime, €22,220 and €230,860, at a location within the State on 16 September, 2024, and the following day.

Detective Garda John Rourke told Judge Kelly that the accused ”made no reply” to each new charge when they were put to him.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted the DPP’s decision that the case will eventually be transferred to the Special Criminal Court. 

It is normally reserved for gangland or terrorism offences where the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice.

Defence solicitor Wayne Kenny said that he expected the prosecution’s book of evidence to be completed soon, because his client had already been questioned regarding the matter a year ago.

Grendon, who has yet to enter a plea, was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court, on 7 April.

The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in this case.

The solicitor stated that Grendon would apply for High Court bail later this month.

He had previously lodged his application amid Garda objections in February but after withdrawing it at a late stage, he was ordered to pay prosecution costs.