01/09/2003

Man appears in court over drugs find

A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody for a week following the seizure of over £1 million worth of drugs in Co Antrim at the weekend.

Paul Hughes, from Marian Park at Ballykinler in Co Down, was charged with possessing 120,000 ecstasy tablets with intent to supply.

The drugs, which have an estimated street value of £1.2m, were allegedly found concealed in the cab of a lorry intercepted by police in an industrial estate at Ballyclare.

They are believed to have been imported by loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). However the officer in charge of the investigation said he believed Mr Hughes was not a member of that organisation.

Personal bail was fixed at £1,000 with two sureties of £5,000 each and Mr Hughes was ordered to report to police daily.

He must remain in custody until the bail sureties are approved by police.

Security Minister, Jane Kennedy congratulated police following the weekend seizure describing it as "another heavy blow to organised criminals".

(MB)

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