Alleged drug dealer ‘lives with his parrot’

Police said the haul of drugs was discovered during searches on Saturday at Gary Millar’s home in the south of the city. A van, quantity of cash, mobile phones and an ounce of gold was also seized in the operation carried out by detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force.

But insisting the 45-year-old is no criminal mastermind, a defence lawyer said: “He lives alone with his parrot.”

Millar, of Agincourt Avenue, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in its supply, and having criminal property.

Five kilos of the narcotics was allegedly found in two large vacuum packs. A detective claimed an examination of the mobile phones “paints a picture of an experienced drug dealer”.

Opposing bail, he contended Millar has built up a network of contacts and operates in large quantities of cannabis.

“He appears to use various methods of distribution and will convert the proceeds into gold, Cryptocurrency or high-value goods,” the detective said. The court heard Millar allegedly “boasted” about moving through the ranks, but also admitted being in more than £1,000 debt to an unnamed individual.

Defence solicitor Joseph McVeigh argued that Millar is just a “routine drug user” .

“He is not the inflated character being put forward by the police,” Mr McVeigh maintained. “A lot of people have an ounce of gold, they don’t need to be drug dealers to have it.”

Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of re-offending.

Remanding MIllar in custody to appear again next month, District Judge Fiona Bagnall added: “I hope someone will make arrangements to look after the parrot.”