Surveillance 'led to drugs find'

21 March 2012 Last updated at 13:04 ET

Police surveillance led to the seizure of drugs worth up to 180,000, the High Court has heard.

Details emerged as bail was refused to Aidan Austin, 36, of Lever Park, Portstewart, who was one of five men arrested after the drugs were allegedly transported from Portstewart to Bangor.

He is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.

A judge said the drugs and cash found pointed to a "major trading operation".

The drugs consignment is alleged to have included cocaine and amphetamines.

The High Court was told on Wednesday that a dummy run had been carried out a week before the seizure was made last December.

Mr Austin is allegedly linked to the operation through contact between his mobile phone and two brothers who are among the co-accused.

A defence barrister stressed that the case against his client was based only on phone traffic.

But Mr Justice McLaughlin told him it could potentially be compelling circumstantial evidence.

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Surveillance 'led to drugs find'