Criminal gang suspect granted bail at Derry court on cocaine supply charges

A 38-year-old Manchester man charged with involvement with a criminal drugs gang in Northern Ireland was released on bail when he appeared at Derry Magistrates Court today on drug supply charges.

Peter Downs, originally from Manchester but living at Mount Road, Chessington, Surrey, is charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and being concerned in its supply.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between March 1 and May 23, 2014.

A police officer told the court Downs had been present at two meetings in Manchester and Lisburn of alleged members of the drugs gang said to be run by Derry man, Declan Gallagher.

Police believe the meeting was to discuss how to recoup losses of £1.5m seizures of cocaine and cannabis made in September and December, 2013.

The court was told on the day Downs attended the Lisburn meeting, a seizure of £272,000 of cocaine was made in the area.

The court heard Downs served a six and a half year sentence for intent to supply Class A drugs in 2005.

Michael McGee, defence solicitor, told the court the only connection being made between the drugs gang and Downs was his attendance at the meetings and that this evidence was circumstantial.

Downs was released on his own bail of £1,000 with a cash surety of £30,000 to reside at his Surrey address.

He was ordered to surrender all passports and sign twice a week at his nearest police station.

He was also ordered not to have any contact with the co-accused and to supply a mobile phone number on which police could reach him at all times.

The matter will be back before the court again on January 28.

See tomorrow's Derry News for more details on this case.