A cross-border organised crime gang has been smuggling multi-kilo consignments of cocaine from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland over the past two years, a court heard today.
Police said large amounts of cannabis and cash were also moved by an outfit set up and run on a hierarchical structure. Details emerged as three men and a woman were remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on charges linked to a major investigation into the suspected racket.
They were detained during a series of searches carried out across the city earlier this week. Drugs, money, mobile phones, five high-value cars and Rolex watches were also seized as part of the raids.
Steven Brown, 36, of Dalewood in Newtownabbey, was alleged to be one of the top-ranking members of the Organised Crime Gang (OCG) operating on either side of the border.
He faces nine charges, including being concerned in the supply of cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and possessing and transferring criminal property.
Also in the dock were: 34-year-old Conal Burns, of Altona Drive in Lisburn; Stephen McCormick, 46, from Lagmore Dale in Dunmurry; and Catherine Osbourne, 24, of Canning Grove in Crumlin, Co Antrim.
The court heard police have been investigating a gang involved in large-scale importation and onward distribution of illegal drugs and prescription medication since 2022.
Based on evidence gathered from the mobile phones, an investigating detective said: “The OCG are regularly moving multi kilos of cocaine from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland and regularly moving tens of thousands of pounds of criminal cash.
“There is a clear hierarchy, with the upper echelons arranging and facilitating these movements without appearing to go hands-on themselves.”
Brown controlled and coordinated criminality in Northern Ireland, it was claimed. He allegedly took control of up to 15 kilos of cocaine at a time from crime members in the Republic and used his own pricing structures to sell it on at a profit of £5,000 per kilo.
“Brown (and another suspect) are controlling a network of drivers supplying lower-level dealers with multi kilos of cannabis,” the detective told the court.
He was also said to be up to £450,000 in debt, paying it off at £50,000 per month.
“Brown was approached by the criminal creditor, with an offer that they could take control of his Spanish villa which he values at £700,000,” the detective claimed.
“We have not identified the location of that villa.”
Another suspect was said to have operated as a logistic manager overseeing collection, storage and cutting of the drugs, as well as gathering money. Burns faces charges of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.
Police claimed he was one of the lower-level dealers buying the cut and mixed narcotics to sell on for their own profit. Based on the phone messages, he also allegedly discussed his ongoing efforts to pay off a £20,000 debt owed to another gang member.
He was described as acting as a middle man, proposing and vetting new street-level dealers to use. The court was told police have seized a journal in which Burns allegedly wrote about his thoughts and reflects on being involved in the drugs operation.
“At one stage he talks about not doing a lot or making enough money to justify it, and he’s trying to find a way to clear his debt, start afresh and come up with a way to earn legitimate money,” the detective added.
Osborne is accused of possessing criminal property and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs. According to police the messages revealed her role as an “intermediary” in moving drugs and cash, along with having access to a ledger.
“She has access to a drug hide, takes drugs to supply others and she leaves cash in return,” the detective said.
McCormick, who did not seek bail, also faces charges of conspiracy and being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis. Lawyers for the other three defendants disputed the police case against them and argued that they should be released at this stage. Refusing bail, however, the District Judge remanded all of the accused in custody until January 9.
English (United States) ·