Meth-making accused is denied bail

Slovakian national Tomas Sujan is accused of having suspected drug-production equipment and cooking instructions found in a van outside apartments in the east of the city.

Refusing his application for bail, Mr Justice Horner said: “These are serious offences, and there’s a risk of further offences and of flight.”

Sujan, 35, of Ballygowan Road in the Castlereagh area, is charged with possessing and producing methamphetamine. Police seized the material on May 30 this year.

A small quantity of the drug was allegedly found in the defendant’s flat, while chemicals, deal lists and bags were said to have been found in the vehicle.

A detective said the chemicals are potentially so explosive that tests will take months. Forensic results are not due back until November.

Sujan denies any involvement in the production of methamphetamine, claiming that any caustic soda and cleaning products found in the van belonged to someone else.

Defence barrister Neil Fox argued that Sujan was only using the van because he had broken up with his partner.

“He has already given details to the police after arrest of who he says the chemicals belonged to,” Mr Fox said.

Counsel said his client will have spent the equivalent of a one-year sentence in custody by the time forensic tests are completed.

Mr Justice Horner denied Sujan’s bid to secure bail.