13/01/2012
NI Cocaine Haul Probe Moves To UK
Searches have spread to the mainland following an investigation into the seizure of £450k worth of cocaine and cannabis in County Down, a High Court has heard.
Addresses in the north of London have been the focus of the new searches which targets a criminal gang suspected of importing and supplying drugs in Northern Ireland.
According to the prosecution two Chinese nationals have been arrested and £120k has been seized.
Police believe this is an organised drugs crime gang responsible for the supply of significant amounts of cocaine and cannabis into Northern Ireland.
Details of one of the accused from Northern Ireland have been revealed.
Mark McAleese (35), of Johnston Way in the city, faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, and concealing criminal property.
Mr. McAleese denies the charges put to him.
The cocaine and cannabis seizure took place in Lisburn two days before Christmas.
(LB)
Addresses in the north of London have been the focus of the new searches which targets a criminal gang suspected of importing and supplying drugs in Northern Ireland.
According to the prosecution two Chinese nationals have been arrested and £120k has been seized.
Police believe this is an organised drugs crime gang responsible for the supply of significant amounts of cocaine and cannabis into Northern Ireland.
Details of one of the accused from Northern Ireland have been revealed.
Mark McAleese (35), of Johnston Way in the city, faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, and concealing criminal property.
Mr. McAleese denies the charges put to him.
The cocaine and cannabis seizure took place in Lisburn two days before Christmas.
(LB)
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