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A Kilkenny man was remanded in custody today accused of trying to import £500,000 worth of suspected cocaine from South America into Northern Ireland.

Shane Delaney was detained by Home Office Border Force officials at George Best Belfast City Airport on Sunday.

The 30-year-old, of Delouthry in Kilkenny, is understood to have flown in from London following a trip to Peru. National Crime Agency officers charged him with the illegal importation of Class A drugs.

According to the Home Office more than 10 kilos of suspected cocaine with a potential street value in excess of £500,000 were recovered.

As Delaney appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today no further details were disclosed. The accused spoke only to confirm he understood the charge against him.

An NCA officer told the court he could connect Delaney to the alleged offence. Defence counsel Richard McConkey said he was not in a position to seek bail at this stage.

Instead, District Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded the accused in custody to appear again by video-link in a week’s time.