Suspected drug dealer refused bail

In the dock was Darren Deeney (34), of Lenamore Park, Shantallow, who was arrested on Saturday following a search of his home.

The court heard that police arrived at the accused’s home shortly after 9am on Saturday, where they found Deeney asleep in bed. Traces of white powder were noted around his nostrils and police found £700 in a money bag under his bed.

As the search continued police uncovered a quantity of cocaine, worth an estimated £4,500 as well as cannabis resin estimated to be worth £500, in addition to scales and a further £2,800 in a cupboard in the kitchen cupboard.

Police also found a large clear vacuum bag in a bin outside which, while empty, smelt strongly of herbal cannabis, and a small quantity of herbal cannabis was also found on a window sill.

When police enquired after Deeney’s mobile phone he told the officers his son had it, but it transpired he had removed the SIM card and flushed it down the toilet. Despite this police were able to retrieve a number of messages from his phone, including “£70 for half a H” and a second one read: “Any chance you can get me sorted for tomorrow? Am heading away and need something for myself?”

Deeney denied dealing and was remanded to appear again on November 26 by video link.