Two Derry men accused of importing a large quantity of diazepam tablets have been refused bail.
Co-accused Emmet Donaghy, 31, from Amelia Court, and Patrick Healy, 43, from Racecourse Park, face twelve drugs charges between them, related to possession and conspiracy to supply Class C drug, diazepam.
All charges relate to May 7 last year.
Police were contacted by Royal Mail about a suspect package with Donaghy’s home address on it.
Derry Magistrates Court today heard the package contained approximately 1,500 diazepam tablets.
Another package containing 600 diazepam tablets was addressed to the female partner of one of the defendant’s in the case, who is currently on bail for her alleged involvement.
A search of Donaghy’s home turned up two empty that had been posted from Exeter that police believe the drugs were sent in.
A mobile was also seized and a diary containing ‘unique identification numbers’ from the ‘on/off partner’s’ address at Racecourse Drive; at which point ‘all persons were arrested’.
The court heard the unique identification numbers matched two of the packages seized by police.
No admissions of guilt were made during police interviews and Healy refused to provide police with a writing sample.
Mr MacDermott asked for bail, saying the men could serve a disproportionate amount of time in custody if the case is drawn out.
He said the men were ‘not exactly Pablo Escobar’ as it was a very straightforward operation.
Deputy District Judge Peter Magill refused bail saying there wasn’t a big enough change in circumstances.
The defendants will appear in court again on August 22 via video link.
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