AN alleged organiser of the largest ever herbal cannabis consignment seized in Northern Ireland is to be granted High Court bail.
A judge has ruled that James McAleese can be released from custody once £10,000 in cash sureties are lodged.
The 42-year-old haulier is accused of hiring the trailer used to smuggle £1.3 million worth of the drugs across Europe.
McAleese, of Hill Street in Dundalk, Co Louth, faces charges of fraudulently importing cannabis and possessing it with intent to supply.
Officers discovered 66 kilos concealed inside a fuel container at a property on Ballynaris Lane, Dromore, Co Down on March 30.
According to the Crown case Niall Mallon (38) who lives at that address, and 32-year-old Kevin McPolin, of Edenderry Park in Banbridge, brought the drugs from Dublin into Northern Ireland.
They both face similar importation and possession charges.
The consignment was in a container said to have been transported from Barcelona in Spain.
Prosecution counsel claimed telephone evidence links McAleese to hiring the trailer for the drug-smuggling plot.
She said he travelled to London on the day of the seizure and only returned five days later.
The court was told Mallon, who is already on bail, allegedly acted as a courier.
But the prosecution contend McAleese was higher up the criminal gang responsible for the importation, describing him as an "organiser".
Defence lawyers disputed the allegations, arguing that the police case against him is "tenuous".
They said McAleese had flown to London in connection with his work within the haulage industry.
The bail application was adjourned for checks on a cash surety being offered by the long-term partner of the accused's mother.
That man confirmed he was prepared to put up most of his life savings to get McAleese out of custody.
"From James went into jail his mother hasn't stopped crying, and I would do anything to make her happy," he told the court.
Granting bail, Mr Justice Colton said his decision was influenced by Mallon having already been released.
The judge also ordered McAleese to surrender his passport and banned any contact with his co-accused.
