The former managing director of the Lees Group of companies in Northern Ireland was one of four men sent for trial yesterday in connection with a £16 million drugs haul in the Republic.
Mr Colin Lees (46), of Armoneen Court, Magherafelt, was charged at Belfast Magistrates Court with inducing others to import illegally 1.7 tonnes of cannabis resin into Co Clare in 1996. The Lees Group crashed in 1992 owing £35 million.