Two in court over Lithuanian heroin gang charges

A Garda raid on a house in Newcastle resulted in the discovery of ten bags of heroin, a large humber of mobile phones and cash, Galway District Court heard this week.

Two Lithuanian men, believed to be part of a drugs gang, were arrested on Tuesday arising out of the raid on 21 Sylvan Avenue, Fairlands, Newcastle.

Tomas Narkus and Linas Karolis, both Lithuanian nationals, were charged with possession of unlawful drugs and possession with intent to sell.

Karolis was further charged with obstruction.

Inspector Ernie Whyte said the men were part of a Lithuanian drugs gang who had been the main suppliers of heroin in the city.

He further added that as they had no ties to Galway — Karolis just arrived in the city on Sunday — they were a flight risk and he objected to bail.

Judge Mary Fahy asked if they were connected to the Lithuanian who had been convicted earlier in the week of similar offences having swallowed a few bags of heroin before he was apprehended.

Inspector Whyte said they were all based at the same address.

Brian Gilmartin, defending solicitor, said he was not calling his clients to give evidence.

Judge Fahy refused the application for bail and remanded them both in custody to appear at a later hearing.