Two men back in court on drugs charges

The detective leading the Garda battle against crime in south Donegal told a court today that he believed a Chinese man resident for many years in Ireland was heavily involved in cannabis cultivation throughout the country.
Det Sgt Barry Doyle was giving evidence following the discovery of €220,000 cannabis plants in early stages of cultivation at Ballintra last week.
Detective Sergeant Boyle told Ballyshannon District Court that one of two defendants, 69-year-old Peter Lam, travels extensively north and south.
He told the court he was involved in a joint operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and items were recovered from a property that belonged to Lam.
Judge Alan Mitchell said there was a large number of plants discovered on the day and there was still an ongoing investigation.
He remanded Lam, of Shore Rd, Corry, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, and the other defendant Pui Lam Sam, 64, of no fixed address, in custody to Harristown District Court on February 15.
Both men are charged with cultivating cannabis plants, having cannabis for sale, and possession of cannabis at Garvanagh, Ballintra, on January 24.