Lithuanian pair remanded on heroin charges

Vilius Novikas, 53, and Donas Budinas, 19, are jointly accused of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Novikas faces a further charge of possessing heroin.

The pair, both of no fixed address, were arrested at a location in the city on Monday.

Police detained them as part of a wider investigation into the supply of heroin in the Greater Belfast area.

As they appeared together at Belfast Magistrates’ Court a detective said he could connect them to the alleged offences.

Neither of the accused mounted applications for bail.

Defence lawyer Ross Thompson confirmed plans to seek their release from custody next week.

He told the court Novikas is an economic migrant, while Budinas was in Belfast on a visit from Waterford.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded the pair in custody to appear again by video link on February 26.