A man (48) charged in connection with one of Northern Ireland largest drug seizures was remanded in custody today.
Unemployed man Mr Michael Lawrence Beech, of Dunclug Gardens, Ballymena, Co Antrim, appeared at the town's magistrates court to face six charges related to a €2.7 million haul of cannabis and amphetamines seized by police yesterday.
He faced five charges of possessing and possessing with intent to supply both cannabis and amphetamines. A further charge accused him of cultivating cannabis plants.
He was remanded in custody until June 17th at Ballymena Magistrates Court after police objected to bail.
A detective constable told the court the drug seizure "represents a substantial loss to persons involved".
Defence solicitor Mr John McAtamney accused police of having "grossly exaggerated" the street value of the drugs. He said the sale price of cannabis on the streets had decreased and the real value of the haul was €890,000 (£600,000). Mr McAtamney said his client would be denying the charges.
The seizure at Glarryford, near Ballymena, was the third largest seizure of cannabis ever made in Northern Ireland. Police believe the drugs were shipped into the North from north Africa by an organised crime gang.
PA