Derry man charged with significant number of drug offences following £48,000 seizure

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with a significant number of drug offences after the court heard drugs with an estimated value of £48,000 were found at his address.

Caolan Knipe (30) of Ballymagowan Park in Derry was charged with, on August 19, being on possession of class A, B and C drugs and being concerned in the supply of class A between an unknown date and August 19 this year. He was also charged with being in possession of explosives, namely rockets.

The court heard police initially attended Knipe's address with a search warrant and had to force their way inside after not receiving any answer at the door.

When inside, police searched and found a phone that was subsequently seized.

They also seized a number of deal bags, both used and unused, and found a white residue on a number of scales.

They also found class B drugs in his bedroom, along with other drugs and fireworks and a tub with empty bags that contained traces of a class A drug.

He was then arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply.

When interviewed, Knipe denied being involved in the supply of drugs but admitted to being addicted to class B drugs and to taking two illegal tablets every morning.

He also admitted to drinking £20-£30 of alcohol every day.

Police estimated the value of the drugs to be £48,000 at their lowest purity.

Bail was objected to as they believe he is at risk of reoffending, adding that his address was previously known to police as being involved in the supply of drugs.

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Defence Barrister Stephen Mooney said that while there were examples of people granted bail on drug offences reoffending, they were the exception rather than the rule.

Bail was refused and he will appear again on September 11.