A MAN accused of storing up to £70,000 worth of drugs and cash claimed a dealer threatened to hurt his family unless he complied, the High Court heard yesterday.
Samuel Finlay went to police days after the cocaine and cannabis was seized at a property in Ahoghill, Co Antrim last month.
Granting bail to the 22-year-old, a judge said his version of events currently appears "full of holes".
Finlay, of Beechwood Avenue in the village, faces charges of possessing Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply.
Police discovered the haul in a hold-all during searches of an outbuilding in the area on July 21, the court was told.
Other drugs paraphernalia and mobile phones were also seized, along with a suspected deal list.
The drugs have an estimated street value of £30,000-£50,000, prosecution counsel David Russell disclosed.
Cash totalling £20,000 was seized.
Mr Russell contended that a deal list appeared to have been written on the back of an invoice for tyres fitting Finlay's make of car.
Mr Justice O'Hara was told Finlay claims he was approached by an unnamed dealer who offered him £1,000 to store drugs until September.
"He said this male threatened to stab him and hurt his family if he didn't cooperate," Mr Russell continued.
According to Finlay's account he feared violence if he didn't comply.
Defence counsel argued that his client had taken responsibility by going to police.
The judge, however, who granted bail under curfew, responded: "On the information I have at the moment (the story) is full of holes."
