Heroin gang accused is remanded over flight fear

MEMBERS of a heroin dealing gang in Belfast have fled across Europe, a court has heard.

As a Lithuanian man appeared in the dock, police claimed other suspects left Northern Ireland once they were granted bail.

Erikas Zizmantis (26) faces two counts of supplying Class A drugs and another of being concerned in the supply of heroin between November 30, 2017 and May 12 this year.

Belfast Magistrates Court was told he has made full admissions to all charges.

Opposing his release, a detective said police have been investigating an organised crime gang involved in supplying heroin in Belfast since 2015.

Zizmantis was allegedly observed on the Lagan towpath on December 3 last year. Wraps of heroin were seized from people stopped after encounters with him, it was claimed.

Zizmantis, with a Shore Road address, was arrested on Saturday.

A defence lawyer argued that Zizmantis has been candid about his role and should be released from custody.

But denying his application, District Judge Nigel Broderick held there were risks he could re-offend or fail to turn up for trial.