Man remanded after ‘heroin’ is found after raid

2 September 2015

A STRANGFORD man has been charged with supplying heroin after a major police raid in the village.

Patrick Pascal Mason (40), of Castle Street, appeared in the dock at Downpatrick Court on Thursday.

He spoke only to confirm he understood the two charges against him — that of possessing heroin and being concerned in the supply of the class A drug.

The offences are alleged to have occurred on dates between August 17 and 21.

No application for bail was made and Mason was remanded in custody, to appear back in court via videolink on September 24.

The charges come after heroin with a street value of £14,000 was seized in Strangford last Tuesday evening in an operation involving the National Crime Agency and the PSNI.

PSNI Detective Inspector Keith Gawley said: “A proactive search with colleagues in NCA was launched in the Strangford area on the evening of August 25.

“Suspected heroin with a criminal value of £14,000 was discovered at a house. The search was part of an operation against heroin importation.”

Sinn Fein MLA for the area, Chris Hazzard, praised police for the drugs find.

“We all know the damage that drugs have on the entire community, not only through addiction but by the crime associated with the trade, so I was delighted to hear that the PSNI have seized a significant amount of heroin in Strangford,” he said.

“Heroin is a class A drug that is highly addictive and has caused the death of many users, so having them removed from our communities will undoubtedly save lives.”

He also appealed for help to “defeat those who are intent on poisoning our children for a quick profit”.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information on drugs to bring it forward to the relevant authorities and for those who are suffering through the misuse of drugs to seek help through the many agencies that offer support,” Mr Hazzard added.

A 33-year-old woman who was arrested with Mason has been released unconditionally.

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