Two German men accused of trying to smuggle €4.4 million worth of cocaine through Belfast airport denied any knowledge of the consignment today.
Hans Bark (65) and Hans Ulrich Reuter (59) were held over the biggest seizure of the Class A drug ever made in the North.
Police said the batch, allegedly concealed in four cases, was destined for Europe and beyond.
The men, who both face charges of possession and possession with intent to supply, insisted they were not traffickers as they appeared before a magistrate in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
At one stage during the brief hearing, an interpreter had to relay the proceedings into Mr Bark's other ear because of hearing difficulties.
His co-accused, Mr Reuter, was equally emphatic in his denial during questioning at a police holding centre in Antrim, the court heard.
Although they were travelling on German passports when arrested, police have still to confirm either of their addresses or occupations.
A lawyer representing the pair said no bail application was planned at this stage. They were remanded in custody to appear again via video link at Antrim Magistrates' Court on July 18th.
PA