Couple appear on drugs charges

A Merseyside couple were part of an organised criminal gang bringing drugs into Northern Ireland, a court has been told.

The allegation was made by police as Paul and Barbara McSween of Lathum Close, Prescott, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with possession and attempt to supply cannabis resin.

Police in Northern Ireland believe they were being paid as couriers after £250,000 worth of cannabis resin was seized at Larne harbour in County Antrim on Tuesday, the court was told.

A member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Drugs Squad said he believed the pair had fulfilled a "vital role" for the drugs gang and feared that, if released, they would re-offend.

"I believe they are employed as drugs couriers. The criminal gangs are likely to put pressure on people to try to recoup their losses," he said.

A detective inspector said 50 kilos of the class B drug was found hidden in car door panels.

The detective constable said that when charged, Mr McSween, 49, said he had no knowledge of the drugs in the car. Mrs McSween, 51, pleaded not guilty.

The police officer said he believed he could connect the accused with the charges.

They were remanded in custody to appear in Larne Magistrate Court via video link on 5 December.