Man in court after cocaine seizure

William Boyce (31), of Tullynagee Road, Moneymore, is accused of possessing cocaine, having the drug with intent to supply; being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, and possessing criminal property on January 10.

A prosecuting lawyer said on Sunday police were in receipt of a report of controlled drugs at Hazelgrove, Tobermore, and on arrival officers were met by the defendant who told them he knew what they had come about and they were below the bed.

The lawyer said police found approximately one kilo of cocaine with an estimated street value of £120,000 and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

During a subsequent search of the property police found a number of electronic devices and a number of high value watches which they seized as criminal property, she continued.

The lawyer said Boyce was interviewed by police and made a number of admissions.

She alleged the defendant, who she said was known by police as a recreational user of cocaine, had been approached by a dealer to hold packages of the drug for which he was paid £500.

The lawyer added that a dealer would make contact with him through the Wickr app and arrange to have the drugs picked up.

Opposing a bail application, the detective said they were concerned Boyce would re-offend if released.

He said the defendant did not identify the alleged dealer or the person delivering the packages.

The detective alleged Boyce was part of an organised criminal gang which would now have to recoup their losses.

He alleged the matter has been going on for one and a half years and their investigations were still at an early stage.

A defence lawyer said the defendant, who appeared by video-link from Coleraine custody suite, is very aware of the mess he has made for himself.

He said Boyce is a civil engineer who works for a road layer and is a single father with a six-year-old daughter to care for.

The lawyer said he was fully aware that he would need to report this matter to Social Services and to his employer.

He explained Boyce had fallen into the company “of this person” at a social gathering.

District Judge Liam McNally remarked that the defendant has a very limited record with just a caution for possessing a Class C drug.

He said while they were serious charges he would grant the application and released Boyce on personal bail of £500 with a cash surety of £750.

Mr McNally also ordered him to reside at the Hazelgrove address in Tobermore, and sign twice a week at Magherafelt police station on a Tuesday and Saturday between 3pm and 5pm.

He ordered Boyce to be in possession of one mobile phone the number of which to be given to the PSNI, and observe a curfew between 10pm and 6am.

The case was adjourned to February 3.