Bail for Derry man charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court today charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possessing drugs valued at £1,400.

Lee Sweeney (22) of Crawford Square in Derry appeared charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs on dates between February 13, 2025 and May 13, 2025.

He was also charged with possessing class A drugs on May 13 and a charge of obstructing police on the same date. 

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

He told the court that at 7.30pm on May 13 police observed Sweeney in the Spencer Road area.

He appeared to be 'under the influence of something' and was very aware of the police presence watching them over his shoulder. 

Police turned and approached the defendant and he made off on foot but was stopped.

A search uncovered deal bags which the officer said was 'consistent' with drug supply.

Sweeney was arrested and a strip search was carried out that revealed a large bag of suspected class A drugs was found.

The defendant said he had bought the drugs for £400 and he had an addiction and claimed the deal bags were for him to divide up his drugs.

He told police there would be drug related messages on his phone but they mainly involved him 'sourcing' drugs.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the court heard that the defendant had been returned for trial to the Crown Court on other charges. 

Defence counsel Michael Donaghy said it was 'a sad state of affairs' for a man with a drug addiction. 

He said Sweeney had a clear record and had co-operated with police supplying his PIN number. 

District Judge Conor Heaney said he believed that Sweeney could be managed with conditions. 

He released him on bail to an address approved by the PSNI, not to possess a mobile phone and to report to police three times a week. 

Sweeney will appear again on June 12.