A woman accused of helping the IRA mount an international gun smuggling operation was questioned by the FBI three years ago, a Belfast court heard today.
Ms Patricia O'Kane (26) and three others were arrested on Tuesday by police investigating the illegal arms importation from the United States.
All four appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court today accused of providing cash to a paramilitary to purchase the weapons and ammunition cache.
They were held during the latest phase of a three-year investigation involving law enforcement agencies in the US, Ireland nd Britain.
But the court was told that Ms O'Kane of Hillside Avenue, Dunloy, Co Antrim, totally denied any wrongdoing.
During police interview she said: "Over three years ago I was questioned by the FBI and a grand jury and I was not charged with any offence.
"Now more than three years later the police have decided to arrest and charge me on the basis of material which had been in their possession since September 1999.
"The delay by the police has breached my right to a fair trial."
Ms O'Kane appeared in the dock with Ms Maria Mercia Brogan (27) of McCamphill Park, and Mr Paul Scott (34) of Bellaghy Park, both in Dunloy.
Mr Sean Burns (26) from Clonard Place, West Belfast also faced the same charge.
The operation, which led to their arrests, dates back to 1999 when guns and component parts were discovered by postal staff in Coventry.
The weapons had been posted from the US, often in boxes containing toys, before they were intercepted.
Four people were convicted in Florida of firearms offences in September 2000 as part of the investigation.
Later a number of weapons turned up in the Republic where four men were jailed for gun offences last month.
But with the Police Service of Northern Ireland now in charge of the inquiry the latest arrests were made earlier this week.
A detective sergeant told the court he believed he could connect them all to the offence. But when charged Ms Brogan insisted she was not guilty. She told police: "This charge is based on allegations against my brother who has never been arrested, charged, tried or convicted of an offence of this nature.