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A Co Down teenager accused of using the postal service in a bid to distribute ecstasy on a worldwide scale must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today.
Shawn Atkinson was refused bail amid claims of sending illicit packages to destinations in Asia and Australia.
Prosecutors said the 19-year-old was at large for more than a year before being discovered hiding in an attic.
Atkinson, of Broadway in Bangor, faces a series of drugs charges related to dates between September 2020 and October 2021.
Royal Mail staff in the town alerted police to five suspicious parcels addressed to locations in Australia, Thailand, England and Armagh.
When PSNI officers arrived at Atkinson’s home he allegedly escaped through the living room window, the court heard.
Quantities of MDMA and cannabis were said to have been seized during searches at the scene.
Examination of a phone also allegedly linked Atkinson to Snapchat messages offering to post ecstasy to Thailand.
Crown lawyer Eoghan McCarthy submitted: “Police believe he’s sending drugs through the post to many different locations throughout the world.”
However, the accused has claimed he was only involved in a bath bomb enterprise.
In July last year Atkinson was located in an Audi A4 parked in Comber, according to the prosecution, but managed to get out and flee.
Suspected drug-dealing paraphernalia and nearly £6,000 in cash was recovered from the car.
Weeks later he was said to have escaped again after being stopped in another car in Donaghadee.
Atkinson was finally apprehended during searches carried out at a rental property last October.
“He was found hiding under insulation in the attic,” Mr McCarthy added.
Atkinson is accused of offences including possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, as well as supplying and being concerned in the production of MDMA.
Opposing his application for bail, the prosecutor argued: “He has successfully evaded police on a number of occasions.”
A further objection centred on claims that Atkinson owes more than £70,000, may be under threat and could re-offend in a bid to pay off the debt.
Following submissions, Madam Justice Quinlivan rejected any suggestion that he should be released from custody due to potential delays in the case.
She confirmed: “There is no change in circumstances. I am refusing bail.”
