22/06/2006

Pair remanded over £3 million drugs bust

Two German men have been remanded in custody charged with possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Hans Bark, 65, and Hans Ulrich Reuter, 59, were arrested at Belfast International Airport yesterday, after what has been described as the biggest cocaine haul ever seized in Northern Ireland, worth an estimated street value of £3 million.

Police have said that the drugs, which weighed 13.5kg, were concealed in four attache cases destined for Europe and beyond.

The two men, who appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court, both denied the charges and claimed to have had no knowledge that the drugs were in the cases.

A detective constable told the court that he could connect both the men with the charges.

Although the pair were travelling on German passports when arrested, police have yet to confirm either of their addresses or occupations.

A lawyer representing the pair said no bail application was planned at this stage.

Both men were remanded in custody to reappear before the same court via video link on July 18.

(EF/SP)

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