A Serbian-born New Zealand citizen is among three foreign nationals who were charged overnight in Ireland in relation to the discovery of a cannabis growhouse containing plants with an estimated street value of $380,000.
Zoran Spasich, 56, has been remanded in custody for possession of cannabis for sale or supply along with Hong Kong-born British citizen Kim Cheung Johnson Liao, 51, and Malaysian citizen Kim Wong, 38.
"All three defendants were remanded in custody at a Special Sitting of Mallow District Court, Judge Waters sitting to Fermoy District Court on Friday, 21 April," Irish Police spokeswoman, Sergeant Margaret Flanagan, told the Herald.
"No application for bail made but will be made on Friday. All three remanded to Cork Prison."
The three appeared before a special sitting of Mallow District Court on Monday.
An Irish Police operation led to the discovery of 320 cannabis plants in Fermoy on Saturday.
Spasich, 56, was travelling on a New Zealand passport, and gave his address as "no fixed abode".
Inspector Mick Corbett reportedly said police were objecting to bail and seeking a remand in custody for all three men but solicitors for the men said their clients were not seeking bail at this point.
All three were remanded in custody by the judge, to appear again at the Fermoy District Court on Friday.
All three were granted free legal aid.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of the reports, but has not been approached for consular assistance at this stage.