Alleged members of drug 'ring' appear in court

Editorial Department • Published 2 Feb 2012 13:00

Two alleged members of an illegal drug ring accused of conspiring to import a chemical stimulant from China, appeared in the dock at Fermanagh Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Andrew Leslie Kirkpatrick, aged 22, from Clabby Road, Fivemiletown, is accused of conspiring with 21-year-old Dylan Durnien and others to evade a ban on the importation of the Class B drug cathinone, a stimulant similar to mephedrone.

He is also charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime.

He was remanded in custody.

Durnien, from Gola Road, Lisnaskea, is charged with conspiring with Kirkpatrick to evade a ban on the importation of cathinone.

A member of the Serious Organised Crime Agency said he believed he could connect the men with the charges.

Objecting to bail, the officer explained that Kirkpatrick had £52,000 in his bank account. His computer was seized and it was discovered that he had sent a number of e-mails to CEC (China Enriching Chemicals) Ltd., a company responsible for shipping large quantities of mephedrone.

The officer told the court that a package had been delivered by DHL to Durnien's home at Lisnaskea. Durnien claimed it was to do with car parts. It contained a white powder and had been sent for forensic analysis. His computer was also seized and was still being analysed.

He said Durnien told investigators he knew Kirkpatrick but only in relation to buying a car.

The officer said he was concerned that if the men were released they would interfere with witnesses or the investigation.

Defence solicitor, Mr. Pauric Cunningham, asked him if he believed Kirkpatrick was part of a "ring".

The officer replied that there were others involved.

Mr. Cunningham pointed out that CEC Ltd. sells a wide range of products and someone sending money to the company could be buying legal substances. It was Kirkpatrick's case that he was importing a legal substance.

Durnien's defence solicitor, Mr. Bernard Corrigan, said he lived with his mother and had no relevant convictions. He was unemployed and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance following an accident in September 2007 when he broke his back and spent six to eight months in hospital. He was still required to wear a morphine patch.

Mr. Corrigan submitted that the evidence against Durnien appeared to be limited, and to have been gleaned from Kirkpatrick's computer. There was no direct evidence linking him to the charge.

He said it was a case very much in its infancy and reminded the court how long forensic analysis can sometimes take.

Mr. Cunningham pointed out that Kirkpatrick was arrested last October in relation to the charges and has been on bail for the past three months.

He submitted that nothing had changed.

However, District Judge Mervyn Bates said the case against Kirkpatrick was "strong and growing" and he had a record for drugs offences.

He said that on the basis Kirkpatrick might re-offend or interfere with the progress of the investigation he did not consider him a suitable candidate for bail.

He remanded him in custody until Monday, February 27.

Turning to Durnien, the District Judge described the evidence against him as "far weaker".

He released him on bail on condition that he has no contact whatsoever with Kirkpatrick. He must also report to Lisnaskea Police Station on Tuesdays and Fridays, surrender his passport and computer and must not have a mobile phone with internet access.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Feb 12

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