Derry couple charged following £10,000 drug seizure in parcel wrapped in birthday paper

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how police stopped a couple and found a parcel wrapped in birthday paper that allegedly contained drugs valued at £10,000.

Shane Whitehouse (25) and Ciara McGann (24) both of Beraghvale in Derry appeared charged with possessing class C drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of class C and possessing drugs on September 5.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

She told the court police had occasion to stop a car as Whitehouse was currently on police bail after being stopped I August for driving and drug offences.

Both the defendants were said to have left the vehicle and as police approached McGann was said to have walked on but was subsequently stopped.

She had a bag with her with a parcel wrapped in Happy Birthday papers which was found to contain 588 grammes of drugs.

A subsequent search of their home uncovered more drugs and drug paraphernalia to the total value of approximately £10,000.

McGann made a no comment interview and refused to accept ownership of a mobile phone found not provide a PIN number. 

Whitehouse said he had a drug debt and was asked to carry a parcel from point A to point B.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the risk of interference with justice due to whatever information was on the phones.

Defence counsel Conn O'Neill for Whitehouse said the court had to consider if there was a real risk of reoffending. 

He said his client had no record and was on police bail for a small amount of drugs.

The barrister said that being in custody over the weekend had been 'a chastening experience' for his client. 

Counsel for McGann, Stephen Mooney, said he accepted there was a case to answer but there were no class A drugs involved and the amount alleged was not the highest volume.

District Judge Conor Heaney said that the pair had exercised their right not to co-operate with police.

He said he was satisfied that a primary facie case existed and added that he was 'troubled' by the risk of reoffending. 

Bail was refused and both were remanded in custody to appear again on October 2.

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A woman in the public gallery began shouting after the decision was made and was removed from the court by police officers.