Three charged over illegal cigarettes

Three men have appeared in a Belfast court charged in connection with the seizure of 15 million contraband cigarettes in Northern Ireland.

The seizure in north Armagh was estimated to be worth around £2.5m in lost duty to the exchequer.

Aidan Grew, 49, from Blackwatertown, and Noel Abernathy, 36, from Dungannon, both denied handling chargeable duty goods and possessing criminal property.

Both men, who are cousins, were remanded in custody.

The third, John Gerard Robinson, 45, of The Avenue, Derryloughan, denied carrying chargeable duty goods and possessing the cigarettes. He was granted bail.

Mr Robinson is due to appear in court again next week.