Police found £17,000 worth of heroin

Stephen Heraty, (29), whose address was given as Edward Street, Portadown, appeared in court by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He is charged with possession of a class A drug, heroin, on October 4 this year, and having the drug with intent to supply, possession of herbal cannabis and possession of cannabis resin.

A bail application was made on behalf of Heraty and this was opposed by police.

A detective constable said £17,500 worth of drugs was found during a search of premises at Edward Street in Portadown.

He added that Heraty, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, was allegedly concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. He had a very relevant record.

A public prosecutor said Heraty had no fixed abode in this jurisdiction and there was a risk of flight and further re-offending.

The police officer said the accused had been living in a hostel in Portadown at the time of the alleged offences and this had been terminated.

A barrister representing Heraty conceded his client had no particular ties to the area and a bail hostel was the only option to him. He explained that his client was a heroin addict and had been for some time.

District Judge, Oonagh Mullan, said that what was extremely concerning was that on May 19 this year at Dungannon court Heraty had been convicted of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and on October 4 had re-offended. The judge reused bail and remanded Heraty to January 6 next year.