Driver on £5m drug charges

A LONG-DISTANCE lorry driver from Oldham charged in connection with a suspected £5 million cocaine seizure believed he was transporting Christian books, a court has heard.

Terence Bean (62) was one of three men charged in connection with the largest ever recovery of the class A drugs made in Northern Ireland.

The cocaine was confiscated from a vehicle in south Belfast, on Saturday.

Bean, who lives in Malaga but has an address at Sparrow Street, Royton, was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply, possession and possession with intent to supply.

Terence Telford (38), from Belfast, faces the same charges, while Michael Reeves (28), of Belfast, is accused of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

A barrister said Bean had worked as a lorry driver across Britain and Europe for the past 15 years.

All three were remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates Court.

They are due to appear again via video-link on January 18.