Dozens face charges over Europe drug ring

UP to 30 people in Northern Ireland are now facing prosecution in connection with a Europe-wide investigation into organised drug dealing, a court heard today.

The developing scale of the offensive against suspected crime networks using encrypted communications emerged as a 55-year-old Belfast man faced allegations of involvement in high-value cocaine and cannabis trading.

Eamon Cullen was arrested following searches at his Upper Lisburn Road home on Monday.

He appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A and B Drugs. Cullen is further accused of possessing, transferring and entering an arrangement to acquire criminal property on dates between March and June this year.

The case relates to raids carried out as part of the National Crime Agency-led Operation Venetic. Prosecutor Robin Steer said inquiries began when French authorities accessed data and messages from encrypted phone handsets costing up to £1,500.

“At the minute there are about 20-30 people going through the courts (in Northern Ireland) at present,” he revealed.

Conditional bail was granted to Cullen, who is due to appear back in court in four weeks.