Alleged cocaine dealer refused bail

A 40-year-old woman accused of dealing cocaine at her west Belfast home has been refused bail by a High Court Judge.

Paula Mary McKeever, from Iris Street in the Falls Road area of the city, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply. She denied the charges claiming that it belonged to her nephew.

It is understood that police discovered around £10,000 worth of cocaine along with around £6,000 in cash, wrapped in cling film, in the kitchen of her home during police raids last week.

Detectives also found a quantity of drug dealing paraphernalia, including scales and a large quantity of plastic bags.

A prosecution lawyer today told the court that her nephew had said that he would turn himself in, however he had not yet done so.

However defence counsel for the accused said that her nephew's solicitor had been in touch and added: "He has access to the house and there was a window of opportunity while the defendant was at work."

Lord Justice Sheil said a further bail application could be made if the defendant's nephew came forward and admitted responsibility.

(EF/KMcA)