Man who was shot and had his house burnt down in St Johnston is charged with £2.1m drug haul

A 32-year-old man, who was shot and had his house burnt in St Johnston, has appeared in court in relation to a £2.1m drug haul.
Declan Gallagher, whose address was given as the Greater Manchester area, appeared in court in Derry today.
Declan Gallagher was described as ‘a major player in an organised crime gang responsible for the supply of drugs’ into the North.
Gallagher whose address the court ordered should be given as the Greater Manchester area appeared n a total of 17 charges.
He was charged with nine counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, seven counts of being concerned in the supply of both drugs, and one charge of importing controlled drugs.
Before the case was heard there was a defence application for anonymity which was opposed by police.
Defence solicitor Mr. Paddy MacDermott said that this man had been shot, his house blown up and his dog shot and said his family could be at risk.
District judge Barney McElholm said that the people who had tried to kill Gallagher knew who he was and had made no attempt in the last number of years.
The judge ruled that Gallagher could be named but his full address should not be disclosed.
The officer told the court that last year the police became aware of ‘substantial quantities of cocaine and cannabis being brought into the North.’
He said he believed he could link Gallagher to six ‘major consignments of cocaine and cannabis with an approximate value of £2.1 million.’
He described the defendant as ‘the principal link to drug seizures up until August this year.’
The judge refused bail and Gallagher was remanded in custody to appear again on November 6.