Three men charged in connection with Arklow drug searches

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Three men appeared at a special sitting of Bray District Court charged with drug offences.

Fergus Finnegan (20), with an address at Donore Park, Tallaght, was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply, along with a further charge of drug possession.

Gary Nash (47), of Oaklands, Arklow, Co Wicklow, was charged with possession of diamorphine for the purpose of sale or supply, as well as a charge of possession of diamorphine. Diamorphine is commonly known as heroin.

The third man charged, Ryan Spellman (19), with an address in Balgaddy, Clondalkin, Dublin, faced the same charges as Mr Finnegan.

The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Co Wicklow.

The defendants were arrested after gardaí in the Wicklow/Wexford Division carried out searches at several properties in the Arklow area on the morning of Friday, January 2. All three accused were arrested at a property in the Oaklands housing estate in Arklow.

Gardaí made no objections to bail, on the condition that the three men adhere to strict requirements, including a curfew.

Judge Áine Shannon adjourned the matter until March 18, 2026, with all three men to appear at Arklow District Court.