Bail refused in club drug case

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8010434.stm

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A woman accused of being involved in a drug dealing operation at the Mynt nightclub in Belfast has been refused bail.

Patricia McArdle, 36, of Thorndale Avenue, Belfast faces two counts of possessing and supplying cocaine.

More than £1,500 in cash allegedly seized from her home has also been retained following an application under the Proceeds of Crime Order.

Six other people have been charged with related offences.

They were charged following an undercover police operation at the club carried out over weekends between January and March.

Following Ms McArdle's failed attempt to be released on bail, High Court judge Lord Justice Coghlin asked what the situation was with the club where the drugs were allegedly being offered.

The court heard how other premises have lost their licenses in previous, unrelated cases.

After being told investigations were continuing, the judge stressed: "This matter should not be allowed to drift.

"The longer police wait the more danger there is to young people."