Two charged over Belfast £1.6m cocaine seizure

Two men arrested as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the seizure of 20 kilos of cocaine in Belfast on Monday have been charged. The driver of the van which contained the drugs, Laethian McCalla, 39, of Arps Road, Codsall, Staffordshire, was arrested at Belfast port. After being questioned by NCA officers he was charged with possession with intent to supply drugs.

McCalla has today [24 February] appeared before Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the same court on 24 March.

The second man detained, Anthony Terry, 46, of Crawford Road, Wolverhampton has been charged with possessing an improperly obtained ID document, and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He is due to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates tomorrow [25 February].

A third man has also been arrested. The 43-year-old from Wolverhampton was detained by NCA officers in Digbeth, Birmingham, before being questioned and released on bail pending further enquiries.

The cocaine seizure is believed to be one of the biggest in Northern Ireland in recent years. The operation to make the seizure was supported by Belfast Harbour Police, Border Force and the PSNI.