Man ‘is part of Europe-wide drugs importation racket’, court is told

Bryan McManus was among 20 suspects arrested so far in Northern Ireland as part of Operation Venetic, the offensive targeting gangs using encrypted mobile phone networks.

Mr Justice O’Hara refused bail after rejecting defence submissions that his alleged role was nothing more than that of a “bagman”.

McManus, of Aileen Terrace in Newry, faces a total of 12 charges, including conspiracy to import and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

He is further accused of possessing criminal property, and conspiring with others to conceal and convert criminal property, namely cash, on dates between March and June this year.

McManus was detained last month in the ongoing investigation headed up by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Prosecution counsel Robin Steer claimed previously encrypted messages linked him to drug deliveries from Holland.

The alleged communication involved discussions about hundreds of thousands of pounds in money, images of large bundles of cash, a metal press used to make blocks of cocaine, a colour chart and testing kit.

Defence barrister Stephen Toal argued that McManus should be released because any suspected role he played was now ended.

“The evidence at it’s height suggests this applicant was involved in logistics, or what is commonly referred to as a bagman,” Mr Toal said.

“The NCA say they smashed and dismantled various enterprises, and that this will continue to echo in criminal circles for many years to come.

“Whatever enterprise was in place, it has been decimated by the NCA operation.”

But based on the prosecution case, the judge held that McManus’s release could interfere with the investigation.

Denying bail, he said: “I don’t accept the submission that he’s just a bagman.

“The messages indicate a far greater role, and suggest he was significantly involved in planning and shipments.”