A Co Antrim lorry-driver accused of possessing Pounds 2 million worth of drugs was alleged in the High Court in Belfast yesterday to be a member of an international drugs-smuggling gang.
The claim was made by a Crown lawyer objecting to an application for bail by Mr James Steele (25), from Thornbrook, Ahoghill.the largest drugs seizure ever made in Northern Ireland. He said the cannabis was packed into wine boxes and was destined for the Republic.
A lawyer for Mr Steele said he would be strenuously denying the charge as he had no idea the wine boxes contained drugs. Bail was refused by Mr Justice Campbell.