A former British soldier played a “logistical” role in a large-scale cocaine smuggling operation into Ireland but was not among the “top” figures directing the criminal enterprise, the Special Criminal Court has heard.
Gary Monks was part of a “structured and organised” cell under the control of others that conspired to import cocaine with an estimated value of up to €42 million.
The court heard on Monday that Monks (41) has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service and subsequent work in conflict zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Monks was also “haunted” after witnessing a car bomb in which a number of local…