£300,000 in cocaine transported across border using Dublin-based crime gang

£300,000 in cocaine transported across border using Dublin-based crime gang Police arrested two men from each side of the border in a drug operation that netted cocaine with an estimated street value of over £250,000 21:08, 20 May 2026 Updated 21:11, 20 May 2026 Nearly £300,000 worth of pure cocaine seized in north Belfast was transported across the border under an arrangement made with a Dublin-based crime gang, a court heard. ‌ The drugs were discovered after police detained two men at separate locations during a police operation on Monday. ‌ Adnan Yusef, 24, of Colthurst Crescent in Dublin, and Pearce Elwood, 23, from Parkend Street in Belfast, both face charges connected to the seizure. ‌ : : Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday that Yusef was driving a BMW 1 Series when stopped in the Rathlin Street area of the city. Officers located a one kilo block of high purity cocaine and €1,000 in cash in the rear of the car. During interviews Yusef claimed debts led to him becoming involved in the scheme under duress. Detectives were informed that he owed an organised crime group in Dublin up to 15,000 euros. The court heard Elwood was stopped on foot at Ardilea Street in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast while carrying a bag containing a further three blocks of cocaine. He provided no comment to questions, but expressed fears for his own safety. ‌ “He feels he may be subject to extreme violence as a result of the financial loss,” an investigating detective said. District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons was told the seized drugs have an estimated street value of £280,000. Police believe Yusef brought the shipment of cocaine across the border, delivered three kilos to Elwood and that he planned to make a further delivery before being arrested. ‌ “He also admitted in interviews that he did a run to the north of Ireland at least once before, and various runs in the south of Ireland,” the detective added. Yusef, who is charged with possessing and supplying Class A drugs, as well as having criminal property, allowed police full access to his phone. But the court heard he is suspected of using an encrypted platform while under the control and direction of a crime gang based in Dublin. “This is a cross-border investigation where we are going to have to liaise with the Garda,” the detective stated. ‌ “An organised criminal network between a Dublin OCG and a Belfast OCG has arranged this.” Yusef’s defence solicitor, Eoghan McKenna argued that Yusef had fully cooperated with the probe and provided a full account to police. “There were issues about money owed and his family being threatened,” the lawyer added. ‌ With two of Yusef’s sisters offering a £5,000 cash surety to secure his release, Judge Firtzsimons ruled he can be released on bail if an agreed address is obtained in Northern Ireland. He must also allow inspections of an approved mobile phone as part of strict conditions. Elwood faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of cocaine in connection with the seizures. His barrister described him as a young man with significant mental health and substance abuse problems. Article continues below “It doesn’t appear that he leads an extravagant lifestyle that one might expect from someone ordinarily engaged in this kind of activity,” she submitted. Refusing bail and remanding Elwood in custody until June 17, the judge told him: “There is a risk you will reoffend.“ For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.