High ranking Chinese drugs gang member refused bail at Derry Court

A man who was described as 'a high ranking member of a Chinese crime gang heavily involved in the supply of drugs in the North West' has been refused bail at Derry Magistrate's Court.

Ivan Chan (38) with an address at Creswick Avenue in Essex faces charges in connection with a find of cannabis valued at between £20,000 to £60,000 on the Culmore Road on August 7 this year.

A police officer told the court that police stopped a vehicle on that date and 4 kilos of cannabis were found.

Chan was arrested and made no comment at interview and gave no details as to why he was in the Derry area or how he travelled here.

The court heard that there were drug related messages on the defendant'sphone.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the officer said he believed Chan was involved with a drug gang.

Defence counsel James Lannon said it would be 'foolhardy' for any drugs gang to use Chan now.

He said his client had 'a limited record and added that bail conditions could be imposed.

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District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she had 'concerns' as drugs were a major issue.

She said Chan had not co-operated with police and she believed there was a risk of flight.

Bail was refused and Chan will appear again on December 30.