Man charged with a number of driving and drugs charges remanded

A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court on a number of driving and drug charges, including possession with intent to supply.

The man, who was granted anonymity due to the threat existing in the city, was charged with possessing pregablin with intent to supply on February 11.

He also faced a total of six other drug related charges.

The man also was charged with a series of driving offences that were said to have occurred on February 10 including failing to stop. 

The court heard that on February 10 a vehicle was observed in Eglinton that police believed maybe concerned in the supply of drugs. 

The vehicle made off and police lost it while in pursuit. 

The following day, the same vehicle was again seen on the Glenshane Road and was again signaled to stop, this time doing so.

Police proceeded to search the vehicle and the driver provided false details when asked.

Upon searching the vehicle, police found two lock knives, 1,000 pregabalin tablets and 220 tramadol tablets.

It was also discovered that he had no driver's licence or insurance and had taken the vehicle without permission, but claimed that it was not him driving the previous day, telling police he had been working on a farm.

When interviewed, he confirmed that he had taken the vehicle without permission but claimed that the tablets were for personal use, denying the charges of intent to supply. He also claimed the knives were for cutting plastic packaging.

Upon searching addresses police found 300 diazepam tablets, something that he denied having.

Police objected to bail as they believe he is heavily involved in the supply of drugs.

They also believe that he is 'very likely' to offend if released, citing his 91 previous convictions, including 46 for drugs offenses and nine breaches of court orders.

The police officer said that class C drugs 'pose some of the greatest danger' to users with three deaths in this area since October last. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the man had admitted to possessing the drugs that were found in the van but denied that he intended to supply them to others, telling the court that it is not unusual for someone to have a large number of class C drugs for personal use.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that he had a 'horrendous record' when it came to drug matters, telling him that he had been given 'every chance' to change but refused to take them.

Bail was denied and he will appear again on March 6.