News

Men in court over £1.3m drugs haul

Laganside Court in Belfast
Laganside Court in Belfast Laganside Court in Belfast

TWO men arrested after a seizure of herbal cannabis are thought to be part of a crime gang operating across Europe, a court has been told.

Kevin McPolin (32) and Niall Mallon (37) have been charged with importing class B drugs, possession and possession with intent to supply.

They were arrested last Friday after police discovered £1.3m of herbal cannabis in an industrial-sized fuel tank at Mr Mallon's home at Ballynaris Lane in Dromore, Co Down.

It was found as part of a joint investigation involving the PSNI, Gardaí and customs.

Newry Magistrates' Court heard that during police interviews, Mallon refused to account for his actions.

The court also heard that McPolin, of Edenderry Park in Banbridge, told police that he travelled with Mr Mallon to Dublin on Friday to pick up a package but did not know what was in it. He also told police that £1,500 found in his house was from the sale of a car, however, he could not say who he sold the car to.

A prosecution lawyer said police believed the only way the pair could recoup the financial loss from the drug seizure would be through further criminal activity.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear again later this month.