A former Ryanair pilot accused of possessing cannabis worth an estimated €10 million has claimed that the material seized by gardaí was agricultural hemp with a low THC content.
Brendan O’Mara, 63, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday as proceedings against him were adjourned pending the outcome of a legal challenge before the High Court.
O’Mara, of An Tulach, Summerhill, Meelick, Co Clare, is charged with possessing cannabis at his home on 7 May 2025 for the purpose of selling or supplying it to another person.
The charge alleges that the drugs had a market value of at least €13,000 and was brought under Section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
According to The Journal, O’Mara has previously denied the allegation, telling gardaí after he was charged and cautioned that he was “absolutely no guilty.”
His solicitor, Ted McCarthy, told the court on Wednesday that the High Court proceedings centred on whether the substance involved should be treated as controlled cannabis or as an agricultural product.
“The substance involved is commonly known as hemp with a low THC and the issue is that on the mainland of Europe this would be regarded as agricultural goods and this is the issue that is being thrashed out in the High Court,” Mr McCarthy said.
He also told Judge Adrian Harris that two cases before the European Court of Justice could have a bearing on the High Court proceedings and that the defence was awaiting decisions in those matters.
Mr McCarthy sought a lengthy adjournment to allow time for the legal issues to progress, asking the court to determine
