Two in court over £2m drugs haul

Two men were remanded into custody today (Friday) after appearing in court on drugs charges linked to a £2m cannabis seizure.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jul 2020, 14:13 BST

Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch seized the Class B drugs following searches conducted at three properties in south and east Belfast on Wednesday.

Xian Li Chen (55) and 32-year old Long Chen appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court today via a videolink with Musgrave Street police station.

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They were both charged with possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply, possessing a Class B drug, and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Both men, of no fixed abode, spoke via a Chinese interpretor and confirmed they understood the charges.

Xian Li Chen was also charged with illegal entry into the UK, and possessing false identification documents.

A police constable told District Judge Fiona Bagnall that he believed he could connect the two accused to the charges.

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Barrister Michael Boyd, representing both defendants, said there would be no application for bail “at this stage” and told the court “both accused strongly maintain their innocence.”

Mr Boyd asked for a bail application to be listed in three weeks time, and the date was set for August 7.

Both men were remanded into custody and will appear in court again next month.