LORRY DRIVER ON DRUGS REMAND

A Belfast lorry driver accused of being involved in a plan to smuggle heroin
into the UK with a consignment of apples, was further remanded in custody
until July 8 by City Magistrate's Court in London.

Bespectacled Samuel Robert Skillen (42), of Ballysillan Drive, appeared in
the dock alongside Christopher Eldridge (51) of Halifax Street, Kirkdale,
Sydenham and Janet Linda Hodges (42) of Ebsworth Street, Forest Hill, south
London.

They are all charged that on April 22 1999 at Eastern Docks, Dover and
elsewhere in the UK, they were concerned in importing a quantity of
diamorphine - the purest form of heroin.

They are also charged with importing a Biretta 6.35mm handgun and six rounds
of ammunition on April 22.

No bail applications were made in relation to Skillen or Eldridge.

Miss Emma Wicks, for Customs and Excise, said the original amount was
thought to be 25-30 kilos of the drug - but it has now been measured at 13
kilos. No value was given.