A 28-year-old man appeared at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 July, facing multiple drug-related charges following police searches in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
The searches, conducted on Thursday, were part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of illegal drugs. PSNI Superintendent Yvonne McManus stated: “Searches were conducted at eight addresses across Portrush and Portstewart this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of illegal drugs in the local area.
“As a result of the searches, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs were seized, with an estimated street value of more than £50,000. Officers also seized a large quantity of suspected Class B edibles, along with drugs-related paraphernalia and a quantity of cash. All of the items have now been taken away for further forensic examination.”
Jonathon Edgar, of the Peninsular Apartments in Portrush, appeared via video link from Waterside custody suite. Dressed in a grey custody tracksuit, Edgar maintained a stoic demeanour, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth, and understanding of the charges against him.
He faces serious allegations, including possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession of these drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, and possessing criminal property.
During the court session, a police constable testified that they could connect Edgar to the charges. The officer detailed the discoveries made during the search of the Peninsula Apartments, where police found approximately 0.5kg of Class A drugs believed to be cocaine, between 1 and 1.5kg of Class B suspected cannabis, and around £6,000 in cash.
After his arrest, Edgar was taken to Waterside custody suite, where he opted for a no-comment interview.
The police objected to bail, citing concerns over Edgar’s failure to confirm his current address and highlighting his extensive criminal history, which includes 47 previous convictions, 31 of which are drug-related. The court was informed that he had only been released from prison in January.
Edgar’s solicitor addressed the court, stating, “You’ve heard the police objections to bail. We’re not here to decide guilt or innocence but to determine if Mr. Edgar is a suitable candidate for bail. He has the right to bail.” The solicitor proposed stringent bail conditions, including residence at the searched address, a court-imposed curfew, electronic tagging, and regular reporting to his local police station.
However, Deputy District Judge Alan White responded firmly: “Mr. Edgar has one of the most significant drug records I’ve ever seen for a man of his age. There’s a serious risk of further offences, and I see no conditions that could prevent that completely. I refuse him bail for that reason.”
Edgar has been remanded in custody to reappear via video link on Friday, 3 August, at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.
