Courts / Ireland / Report

Spain seeks Irishman on alleged drugs trafficking charge

Summary

Spanish authorities are seeking the surrender of Patrick Joseph Mangan, 51, of Valeview Drive, Finglas, on a single drugs trafficking charge. The charge relates to the recovery of 148 kg of cannabis resin on 29 November 2010 in Melilla. A European Arrest Warrant claims Mangan participated in an organisation dealing with drug trafficking, purchasing large amounts of drugs from Melilla. The High Court ordered his extradition in March, but Mangan appealed to the Court of Appeal, where judgment is reserved. The High Court found that Spanish authorities had monitored a telephone belonging to another individual who had contact with Mangan, but did not find evidence that Spanish authorities had authority to intercept a call in Ireland. Mangan's counsel argued that the interception breached his constitutional right to privacy. The Court of Appeal has remanded Mangan on bail until 11 December, when judgment is expected.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Spain seeks Irishman on alleged drugs trafficking charge. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• November 29, 2010 Incident
• December 11 Adjournment
• September 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-10-25 Publication

Why: In the High Court, Ms Justice Donnelly said the crux of Mr Mangan's objection to being surrendered was the claim that, because he was in Ireland using his Irish registered telephone at the time these calls were intercepted, there had been an unlawful interference with his right to privacy. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report