Mum Yejeida Johnson, who was caught with €740,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport, says she thought the boxes were stuffed with handbags

Mother-of-one Yejeida Johnson, 26, insisted she had never seen or touched the alleged cannabis, which Gardai said was “very deliberately hidden” in her luggage.

She was traveling from New York to the UK on a Dublin transfer when her cases were being searched.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded her and agreed to bail when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

Ms Johnson, who hails from London and is not a permanent resident of Ireland, faces charges on September 2 of importing and possessing cannabis.

Garda Tom McLoughlin said he arrested the accused in Terminal 1 of the airport and she later gave no answer to the charges after being cautioned.

He refused bail and said the accused was “caught in the act” attempting to import drugs when he was stopped by customs officials.

Gda McLoughlin said Ms Johnson had two suitcases and a “very deliberate attempt” had been made to hide 37kg of cannabis worth €740,000 inside.

She was held in the airport arrivals hall before being arrested. Ms Johnson is a “clear and imminent risk of absconding” as she has no legitimate links to Ireland or a permanent address in that jurisdiction, he said.

Because of the shared travel area, she can return to the UK without travel documents, Gda McLoughlin said.

Defense attorney Karl Monahan requested bail, saying the nature and value of the alleged drugs have yet to be determined and the defendant could remain in custody for two years awaiting trial if he is denied bail, he said .

Ms Johnson had submitted a report to the Garda in which she described that “what she thought she was carrying were handbags,” Mr Monahan said.

When confronted about the alleged drugs in the interview, she said she had never seen or touched them.

The defendant had traveled to the UK from JFK Airport in New York and her presence in Dublin was due to a connection flight.

She maintained her innocence and was keen to return to Ireland to prove it. She lived in London with her family and would comply with the bail conditions. The court heard that accused persons could easily be extradited from the UK if necessary.

As evidence, Ms Johnson said she worked at a spa and a sandwich shop but is currently unemployed.

“I have no reason not to come back, I’m innocent,” she said. “I didn’t know what was in those cases. I’m not going to run away or anything. I’m innocent, I’m not a criminal.”

Judge Kelly granted bail equal to the defendant’s €1,000 bail and an independent bond of €10,000.

Under certain conditions, she must be reachable by phone and live at her London address in order to be verified by Gardai. She was remanded in custody and agreed to be released on bail by order of the DPP until September 11.