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Co Donegal man on drugs charges refused bail

The High Court in Belfast
The High Court in Belfast The High Court in Belfast

PHONE traffic allegedly links a Co Donegal man with the activities of one of Northern Ireland's biggest drugs gangs, the High Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutors said a specialist media strategy led police to suspect Benjamin Quinn's involvement in controlling couriers who were stopped with £720,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis valued at £58,000.

Details emerged as 27-year-old Quinn, of Rossgier in Lifford, was refused bail.

He was arrested with a second man last week and charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

The alleged offences relate to consignments seized in the Duncrue area of Belfast back in February 2017.

It was said to be the fifth of six interventions made as part of an ongoing police investigation.

Crown lawyer Kate McKay told the court detectives had commenced an operation against "one of Northern Ireland's largest criminal networks".

Mr Justice Horner heard telephone analysis allegedly connects Quinn to a chain of contact between suspects.

Defence counsel argued that the case against his client is limited to allegedly offering "logistical support" for just one of the seized drug consignment.

Despite those submissions however the judge ruled Quinn must remain in custody.