Courts / Ireland / Report

One pleads guilty to conspiracy charge in 'southwest seven' drug case

Summary

One of seven men charged with conspiring to import controlled drugs into the country pleaded guilty to the offence at the Special Criminal Court. Conor Costello (31) of Earhart Park, Madamsbank Road, Derry in Northern Ireland admitted to conspiring with others between December 18, 2024 and January 15, 2025, within and outside the State, to import controlled drugs worth in excess of €13,000. The charge is contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The matter was adjourned to October 20, along with the cases of the six co-accused. The other accused include Gary Monks (40) of Amulree Place, Glasgow, Scotland; Ryan Watson (32) of Mailerbeg Gardens, Modiesburn, Glasgow; Miljan Koprivica (45) of Bollin Drive, Manchester; and three Filipino men: Hanz Pangahin (36), Christopher Ampo (44), and Feljon Lao (62). No pleas were entered by the co-accused, and the charges against them remain alleged or contested.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: One pleads guilty to conspiracy charge in 'southwest seven' drug case. Charges or matters: conspiracy to import controlled drugs; a charge that he conspired with others on dates between December 18, 2024 and January 15, 2025, both dates inclusive, within and outside the State, to import controlled drugs worth in excess of €13,000. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 18, 2024 Incident
• January 15, 2025 Adjournment
• October 20 Adjournment
• 2025-07-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report