A SNIFFER dog found drugs hidden in a teenager's false leg as he tried to enter a Co Tyrone nightclub, a court has heard.

Joseph Vincent Kelly (18), of Rehaghy Road, Brantry near Dungannon, was caught in a police operation outside Cookstown's Lanyon Hall music venue.

He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and attempted possession of MDMA on December 11 last year.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard that police had been carrying out drug-detection duties when a specialist sniffer dog reacted.

Officers then conducted a search and seized a quantity of white powder, two pink tablets and three other tablets.

When questioned about the substances, Kelly said he thought the white powder was cocaine and the other tablets were ecstasy.

A defence solicitor said his client suffered from cancer some years ago and as a result his right leg was amputated below the knee, requiring him to wear a prosthetic leg.

Kelly had been travelling to the venue on a bus when he was approached by others to take the drugs into the premises hidden in his false leg.

The others assumed it was unlikely Kelly's false leg would be searched.

The defence added that Kelly was immediately co-operative with police and has no previous record at all.

A a sitting last Wednesday, District Judge Peter King warned the defendant on his choice of friends.

Handing down a fine of £200, Judge King said: "It is of deep regret that you now have a criminal record.

"Perhaps you should choose your friends more carefully from now on. Some people are willing to take advantage of you."