Police seized £250,000 and cannabis from home, court told

The haul was allegedly found last month at the home of 38-year-old Joseph Gerard Kearney, a judge was told.

Kearney, of Juniper Park in Dunmurry, faces charges of concealing and possessing criminal property, and having Class B Drugs with intent to supply.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard up to three kilos of suspected herbal cannabis, mobile phones and laptops were discovered during the raid on June 14.

“A large sum of cash, in excess of a quarter of a million pounds, was also located along with a money counting machine and other items,” a detective said.

He claimed the phones contained slang references to possible drugs supply or importation, while CCTV evidence allegedly shows Kearney taking part in some sort of handover.

The defendant is believed to be involved “at a very high level” in the drugs trade, according to the police case.

“We believe he has contacts around Europe in relation to his alleged offending,” the detective added.

Defence counsel Sean Devine disputed suggestions Kearney may try to flee or attempt to recoup any financial losses.

He described his client is a father-of-two whose family and roots are in Belfast.

Stressing that no admissions were being made to the alleged offences, Mr Devine argued that Kearney would be “useless” to any criminals because of the police operation.

“He’s utterly expended now,” the barrister said.

Bail was refused due to the risk of further offences.