A 25 year-old man accused of running a cannabis factory with £400,000 of drugs is currently on bail under suspicion of supplying drugs that led to a death, a court has heard.
Thomas Brolly, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court this morning charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis, intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of the drug.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place on October 23, 2014.
The court heard that police had been on mobile patrol in a housing estate under construction in Claudy that had been having a problem with burglaries.
Police heard what they thought was a car engine running but when they went to investigate found it was a large generator and an 'extremely strong small of cannabis' was detected.
A total of around 750 cannabis plants were found inside the house, including some prepared for sale, to the value of around £400,000.
The owner of the house was arrested and taken to Strand Road Police Station but the following afternoon Brolly handed himself in and said the drugs were his and he was growing them in the house.
A name signed 'T Brolly' was on the lease of the house.
The court was told Brolly has a relevant criminal record and was on bail for a drugs charge from September 2014 in connection with a death in the Limavady area.
Brolly is believed to have supplied the deceased with drugs just days before their death.
Bail was refused on the grounds of fear of further offences and interference with the investigation.
The defendant, from Coolessan Walk, Limavady, was remanded in custody and will appear back before the court again on November 13.
Pictured above - Some of the 750 cannabis plants discovered by police at the house.
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