Ballyclare man in court after drugs seized in Belfast and Ballyclare
- Published
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force made the discoveries on Friday afternoon
A County Antrim man has appeared in court after more than £600,000 worth of suspected cannabis was seized during police searches
Jason Johnston, 45, of Craighill Park, Ballyclare appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court via videolink.
He was charged with six offences including cultivating the drug cannabis.
The court heard it followed a raid on his home, and an address at Dargan Crescent in north Belfast.
The raids were carried out by officers investigating alleged criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF.
A detective said police believe the accused had control of two remote sites, and had a sophisticated packaging method of posting and delivery.
Mr Johnson's solicitor claimed his client had accrued considerable gambling debts that had brought him to the attention of paramilitaries.
The court also heard that Mr Johnston had had a completely clear criminal record prior to his arrest.
Bail was denied.