Accused faces guns, drugs charges

A number of guns were seized during the police operation

A 34-year-old man has appeared in court in Belfast on a number of drugs smuggling and firearms offences.

Among the charges facing Paul Edward Meehan, from Sallis Park in Dublin, are smuggling class A and C drugs and smuggling firearms.

He is also accused of being in possession of almost 250,000 euros and nearly 4m cigarettes.

The charges relate to an international operation targeting those involved in organised crime.

Mr Meehan was remanded in custody until 1 October

A number of people have been arrested in recent days in Belfast, Dublin and the Netherlands.

A major operation, involving the PSNI, Gardai and Dutch authorities, was launched last July following a request from the PSNI.