The former managing director of the Lees Group of companies in Northern Ireland, who is facing a £16 million drugs charge, was refused bail at Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday.
Mr Colin Lees (46), of Ardmoneen Court, Magherafelt, Co Derry, was remanded in custody after a detective said: "Flight is almost inevitable if he is released on bail."
Mr Lees, who has been in custody since last October, is accused of inducing others to smuggle cannabis into Kilrush, Co Clare. He also faces two counts of laundering the proceeds of crime and one of smuggling spirits into Dover.
Resident Magistrate John Clery remanded Mr Lees in custody until Wednesday.