John Gilligan Signs on After €10,000 Bail in Major Drug Probe

Criminal John Gilligan, aged 73, signed in at a Costa court today following his release on €10,000 bail. This marks his first public appearance since being imprisoned for more than eight months, linked to a significant investigation into a pink cocaine operation near Torrevieja in December.

Recent Court Appearance and Bail Conditions

Gilligan, appearing disheveled and dressed in casual attire, attended the court in Orihuela, having traded his previous formal wear for shorts, an oversized top, and worn trainers. Witnesses noted that he looked markedly different from the more polished figure he presented just over a year ago.

After signing in as part of his bail conditions, Gilligan exited the court through a back door, drawing attention from onlookers. One witness remarked on the unusual treatment afforded to someone with his criminal history, noting that most individuals typically used the main entrance.

As part of his bail conditions, Gilligan is prohibited from leaving Spain and is required to surrender his passport. He was granted release from Alicante’s Fontcalent Prison on August 29, 2023, after spending eight and a half months in remand.

Details of the Drug Bust Investigation

The ongoing investigation revolves around a pink cocaine bust that occurred on December 18, 2024. Authorities allege that Gilligan was operating a clandestine drug lab capable of producing up to €8 million worth of narcotics. This operation, named Operation Overlord, involved various elite Spanish anti-drug units and the UK’s National Crime Agency.

In January, Spanish police released footage of the raid that led to Gilligan’s arrest. The dramatic scenes showed heavily armed officers breaching the property where the lab was discovered. Inside, police found not only a sophisticated drug-making facility but also a revolver concealed in a plastic wrap.

The lab reportedly could have produced between 300 to 600 kilograms of drugs, which would have had a street value ranging from €4 million to €8 million. Gilligan was one of nine individuals arrested during this operation.

His involvement in drug trafficking follows a previous conviction, where he admitted to running a cannabis and sleeping pill smuggling ring between Spain and Ireland. In that case, he received a suspended 22-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay fines exceeding €14,000.

Background and Legal Challenges

Prior to this investigation, Gilligan’s former partner, Sharon Oliver, was cleared of drug charges in September 2023, relating to their arrest in October 2020. While Gilligan accepted a plea bargain, Oliver declined, maintaining her innocence regarding knowledge of his illicit activities.

As he navigates this new legal situation, the implications for Gilligan are significant. Should charges be pressed based on the ongoing investigation, he could face serious repercussions and a potential trial for drug offenses.

Gilligan’s story continues to unfold as authorities work to untangle the extent of his alleged operations. With his future uncertain, the repercussions of his actions resonate beyond his personal life, reflecting broader issues within drug trafficking networks in Europe.