A Co Tyrone farmer accused of possessing £1 million worth of drugs was refused bail yesterday after a High Court judge said the drugs trade was a matter of the greatest concern to everyone in the community. Mr Alan Shepherd (41) of Ballybeg Road, Coalisland, was arrested at his home last weekend along with an Englishman, who has not applied for bail.
A Crown lawyer said 50,000 ecstasy tablets, 17 kilos of cannabis and £30,000 in cash were found when police swooped on Mr Shepherd's farm. He said Mr Shepherd and his co-accused were arrested soon after arriving at the farm in two cars. A third man escaped after crashing his car. Mr Phillip Magee, defending, said Mr Shepherd denied having anything to do with drugs. He had a clear record and would not abscond. Refusing bail, Mr Justice Coghlin said such a quantity of drugs could only have been for commercial use.