Man Appears in Court Following £1m Suspected Cocaine Seizure
A man has appeared in court after police seized suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £1 million at a property in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
Thirty-year-old Aaron Hudson was arrested on Friday in the Cookstown area on suspicion of offences related to drug supply and indecent images of children.
Hudson, who resides in Moorville, Stewartstown, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Monday facing multiple drug charges.
He is also charged with possessing criminal property, transferring criminal property, making indecent images of children, possessing indecent images of children, and attempting to pay for sexual services.
The drug-related charges include being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of Class B controlled drugs.
Devices Seized
During the hearing, Hudson spoke only to confirm that he understood the charges against him.
A detective informed the court that she could link Hudson to the charges and that on 20 January 2026, Hudson was stopped while driving in Armagh by police officers and searched.
The officer stated that during this search, two mobile phones and a notebook were seized.
She added that Hudson was not arrested at that time and was allowed to leave the scene.
The court heard that the two mobile phones were examined, and the officer said,
"there was clear evidence found"
in connection with the delivery of cocaine and cannabis.
Regarding the two phones seized, the officer told the court she believed,
"one device was used exclusively for criminality".
The court was also informed that indecent images of children were found on one of the devices.
The officer further stated there was,
"additional evidence"
on a phone suggesting there had,
"been contact with a sex worker."
Bail Refused
The detective also told the court that on Friday, 1 May, a search was conducted at Mr. Hudson's home, where no drugs were found. However, a subsequent search uncovered 11kg (388oz) of suspected cocaine in a storage lock-up.
The officer said police opposed bail,
"primarily because risk of further offending is huge".
She added that,
"this is his lifestyle"
and that Hudson,
"does not have any other form of work".
The court heard Hudson had provided explanations for some offences, but the officer stated,
"in relation to drugs he has given no comment".
The judge described the charges as being of the,
"utmost seriousness"
and expressed satisfaction that Hudson,
"is at risk of reoffending in this case, and I refuse bail".
Hudson was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on 13 May.
