Judge grants anonymity order in drugs case because of threat to defendant’s life

A 29-year-old man has appeared in court accused of drugs offences.
District Judge Barney McElholm granted an anonymity order in the case, after hearing there is an ‘accepted threat’ on the defendants life.
This bans the media from reporting the defendants name and address.
During a brief hearing at Derry Magistrates Court the 29-year-old was referred to as ‘AB’.
He is charged with possessing ecstasy, cannabis and diazepam.
He is also accused of possessing the class A, B and C drugs with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of the drugs.
The offences relate to the alleged seizure of £20,000 worth of drugs in the Foyle Road area on Monday last.
The 29-year-old man is further charged with fraudulently exporting ecstasy on a date prior to January 29th.
An investigating officer told the court he belied he could connect ‘AB’ to the charges.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott told the court his client made the case during police interview that he was ‘subject to duress to hold these items’.
There was no application for bail and the defendant was remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.