Derry drug accused claimed cash found in car was his benefits money
Oran Brown (21), of Hollymount Park in Derry, appeared in court charged with possessing class C drugs namely cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing criminal property, namely cash
A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with drug offences.
Oran Brown (21), of Hollymount Park in Derry, appeared charged with possessing class C drugs namely cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing criminal property, namely cash on April 23.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
He told the court that the defendant was already on bail in relation to other charges.
He said at 3.30pm a car was observed at the Caw roundabout that had been circulated to police due to two men acting suspiciously.
The car was seen to make a sharp turn and police stopped them.
Brown was in the passenger seat and a quantity of cannabis was found on that side of the car as well as a sum of money.
The defendant would not give police details to access his phone nor would he provide his bank details.
Bail was opposed due to the risk of interference with the investigation.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had given an explanation for the cash as he had just received his benefits.
He said the cannabis found was not a large quantity.
Deputy District Judge Brian Archer said that Brown had refused access to his phone and his bank and added that this 'didn't seem to be the reaction of someone not involved in drugs.'
He refused bail and Brown was remanded in custody to appear again on May 22.