A MARKETING EXECUTIVE with a radio network has been released on bail after appearing in court over a seizure of €110,000 worth of cannabis at his office building in Dublin on Tuesday.

Seafra O’Donovan (35), an employee of Bauer Media, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and having it for sale or supply at Marconi House, Digges Lane, Dublin 2 on 23 March.

The location of the seizure, which was part of a joint Garda and Revenue Customs operation, is the base for Newstalk, Today FM and affiliated radio stations.

Dressed in a black sleeveless jacket, navy jumper, white shirt, dark pants and black runners, O’Donovan sat silently throughout the brief hearing before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dublin District Court today. 

No plea was entered to the charges, which are under Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Garda Conor Hearns told Judge Fottrell that the accused, of Leeson Park Court, Ranelagh, in Dublin city’s southside, was charged shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, handed a copy of the charges, and “made no reply” when cautioned.

Hearns, from the divisional drugs unit at Kevin Street, confirmed he was not objecting to bail with conditions.

Accordingly, Judge Fottrell ordered O’Donovan to sign on two days a week at his local garda station, notify of address or mobile phone number changes and not apply for a passport.

Defence solicitor Aoife Dalton informed Judge Fottrell that her client had provided his phone number and that his passport had already been handed in.

Hearns asked for an adjournment of two to three months, if possible, as the investigation was still ongoing and a file needed to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Fottrell ordered O’Donovan to appear again on 27 May next.