Darren Loughlin (39) of Gortacar Road, Kesh, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court this afternoon along with Stephen Currie (29) of Old Park Mews in Cookstown and his father Paul Currie (53) of Limekiln Lane, Cookstown.

All three men were arrested on Saturday in connection with a major drugs operation in which drugs, namely cannabis and cocaine, valued in excess of £500,000 were recovered.

The court was told a 25kg of a cocaine mixing agent was also seized, which could bring the value of the drugs seized to a potential of up to £1.5 million. 

Loughlin was denied bail this afternoon where his barrister had argued that if he had any involvement in the case, it was only as a courier, and he was not a “key player in the operation”, if he was involved at all. 

When arrested Loughlin, who was arrested at a lay-by at the Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre on Saturday, denied any knowledge of the drugs. Police claim he helped transport into the North from Scotland. 

He was remanded in custody to appear before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 7. Paul and Stephen Currie, who did not apply for bail today, were remanded to appear before the court this Wednesday, November 16.