A man was charged in Belfast yesterday in connection with the seizure of £16 million worth of cannabis in Co Clare in 1996. Mr James Millar (36), a car dealer, from Toome Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, was charged with assisting or inducing others to smuggle the cannabis, which was found on a vessel in Kilrush Harbour, in November 1966.
Mr Millar's solicitor told Belfast Magistrates' Court that his client was strenuously denying the charge and was applying for bail. The prosecution opposed bail, saying that police believed there was a risk of further drug dealing and that Mr Millar might abscond.
Det Const John Horan of the RUC Serious Crime Squad said two other men were in custody on similar charges. The Resident Magistrate, Mr Daniel Magill, refused bail. Mr Millar was remanded in custody until next Wednesday.