A thirty-eight-year-old man has appeared in court following the seizure of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £1.8m.
The original figure placed on the drugs was £750,000 but examination revealed the quantity to be of a significantly higher value.
Conor O’Donnell, whose address cannot be published, is charged with importing and possessing cocaine with intent to supply co
The seizure occurred in Omagh on November 22.
A detective constable told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
Before the hearing got fully underway a defence lawyer applied for anonymity due to ongoing issues in terms of drugs cases, pointing out that such orders are routinely granted in Derry/Londonderry Magistrates’ Court.
However, Press challenged this as the threats in themselves are generic as opposed to specific and the procedures state in each instance police must provide supporting evidence in court.
This isn’t always taking place leading to a ‘default’ position of some cases being ushered through without evidence, Press engagement or required procedures.
It was also stated there is a generic threat against any police officers appearing in court charged with offences and they do not get anonymity, rather they have a default address of PSNI headquarters in Belfast.
While the generic threats in drugs cases was not disputed, Press argued a similar position to accused police officers could be adopted and O’Donnell’s address could be omitted.
In response to an enquiry by District Judge Michael Ranaghan the detective said she had no knowledge of a specific threat.
On the basis O’Donnell’s address would be withheld Judge Ranaghan refused to grant anonymity.
Returning to the case itself the detective explained police stopped a vehicle at Doogary Road Omagh in which O’Donnell was the sole occupant.
A search located 15 packages secreted in a hide and O’Donnell was arrested.
During interview he accepted owning the vehicle and a seized mobile phone for which he provided a passcode but when tried this didn’t work.
He provided ‘no comment’ to all questions regarding the packages.
Police experts were able to gain access to the device without the passcode which showed GPS information that O’Donnell had travelled from Derry/Londonderry to Thomastown in County Kilkenny then back over the Border via Aughnacloy prior to being stopped in Omagh.
Objecting to bai the detective pointed to a likelihood of further offending and it is believed he is a member of an organised crime gang with links to the INLA.
“He is on benefits and has no signs of wealth or how he could have these drugs, and may have to recoup the loss.”
A defence solicitor enquired if police believed O’Donnell was conveying he drugs as opposed to supplying, but the detective replied, “I can’t answer that as he provided no comment during interview.”
Urging bail to be granted the defence said the case is in the very early stages and will take significant time to progress.
“He is a father of five all under 18 and his partner is very distressed particularly with the Christmas period approaching,” said the defence.
While conceding the charges were serious, it was contended with strict conditions bail could be granted.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked on the significant amount of drugs found adding, “There is a substantial loss sustained by whoever owns the drugs. I believe there is a risk of further offending.”
Bail was refused and O’Donnell will appear again at Omagh Magistrates’ Court by video-link on 17 December.
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