Limerick drugs case adjourned while court seeks Polish interpreter
By David Raleigh
A Polish man has appeared before Limerick District Court charged in connection with the seizure of cannabis plants worth an estimated €115,000.
Marian Andrzejak, aged 23, of no fixed abode, was arrested on Monday afternoon when gardaí swooped on a house at Creanville, Crean, Athlacca, Co Limerick, and uncovered 136 cannabis plants.
Mr Andrzejak was charged with four counts under the Drugs Trafficking Act, including possession of cannabis; possession of cannabis for sale or supply; and cultivating cannabis.
The accused was also charged with possession of cannabis worth more than €13,000, for sale or supply, an offence which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years on conviction.
When Bruff gardaí searched the house after obtaining a court warrant last Monday, they discovered heating and lighting equipment associated with the cultivation of cannabis plants.
Solicitor John Herbert told the court Mr Andrzejak was "a man of no means".
The court granted the accused free legal aid.
Mr Herbert objected to the case proceeding until a Polish interpreter was present in court.
"There is no interpreter present and Mr Andrzejak has no English. He's Polish. The matter cannot proceed at this point," Mr Herbert told Judge Marian O'Leary.
Garda Ken McEvoy, Bruff garda station, gave evidence that a Polish interpreter had been present while Mr Andrzejak was in custody, and the accused understood the charges against him.
"He made no reply when charged," Garda McEvoy added.
Sgt Donal Cronin, Henry Street, told the court "every effort" would be made to have an interpreter brought to the court.
The matter has been adjourned until later this afternoon.
