Dovil Reifonaite (40) and her daughter Migle Kurieniute (20) have been remanded in custody after being accused of possessing €1.28 million worth of cannabis at Shannon Airport just two days before Christmas. The pair appeared in court via video link from the women’s prison in Limerick during their third court appearance.
Court Proceedings
Judge Alec Gabbett remanded the two women for an additional two weeks as they await further legal proceedings. Both defendants have spent the Christmas and New Year period in custody after failing to secure bail during a special court sitting on Christmas Eve.
Each woman faces charges of possession of cannabis for sale or supply, as well as simple possession. Their solicitor, John Casey, previously indicated that he was waiting for the holiday period to end before applying for bail in the High Court.
Details of the Arrest
The incident unfolded on December 23, 2024, when Reifonaite and Kurieniute disembarked from a flight from Boston. Gardaí reported that officers from Revenue discovered 64 kilograms of vacuum-packed cannabis in four suitcases belonging to the accused. The significant quantity of drugs was described as having a street value of €1.28 million.
During the initial bail hearing, Gardaí raised concerns about the nature of the charges, leading Judge Gabbett to deny bail, emphasizing that both women are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Legal Representation Changes
At today’s hearing, solicitor John Casey applied to come off record as the legal representative for Reifonaite and Kurieniute. Adam Dodd, a Dublin-based solicitor, has taken over their representation, and Judge Gabbett transferred the legal aid certificate to him.Sgt.
John Burke informed the court that they are currently awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding how to proceed with the case. Additionally, a Lithuanian interpreter will be present at future hearings, as while Migle speaks very good English, her mother Dovil requires assistance.
Next Steps
The judge has scheduled their next court appearance via video link for January 22, where further developments in their case will be addressed. The situation remains fluid as both women navigate their legal challenges amid serious allegations.
Conclusion
The case against Dovil Reifonaite and Migle Kurieniute underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and possession in Ireland. As they await their next court date, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding drug-related offenses and their legal implications. The outcome of this case will likely have significant repercussions for both defendants and serve as a focal point for discussions on drug enforcement policies in Ireland.