Five people have been ordered to stand trial in connection with the seizure of up to £1m worth of cannabis at Belfast Harbour.
The defendants, three men and two women, face charges linked to the haul discovered hidden inside beds.
Police mounted the dockland operation after a ferry from Liverpool arrived on December 20, 2022.
Van driver James John Murphy (34) was arrested as he disembarked the overnight crossing.
Sixty-six packages of herbal cannabis were found concealed within divan beds and mattresses in the back of the Citroen Relay vehicle, a previous court heard.
The seizure made by detectives from the PSNI’s organised crime unit, supported by Border Force staff and Belfast Harbour Police, had an estimated street value of £1m.
Murphy is charged with possessing and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.
He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday along with co-accused Jessica Murphy (34), Ann Roberts (58), Paul Jeffrey Roberts (40) and Christopher John Roberts, also aged 40.
They are jointly charged with being concerned in the supply of herbal cannabis on dates between October 24 and December 20, 2022.
Four of the accused are from Liverpool while Christopher Roberts is based in Newry, Co Armagh.
Reporting restrictions were imposed to prevent publication of exact addresses amid concerns for their safety.
Appearing remotely for the preliminary enquiry hearing, all five defendants confirmed they understood the charges but declined to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage.
The court heard that the investigation involves mobile phone and DNA evidence, with up to 38 witnesses expected to be called to testify.
Presiding District Judge Steven Keown backed Crown submissions that the accused each have a prima facie case to answer.
“All of the defendants are returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed,” he confirmed.
They were granted continuing bail and are expected to appear again at the arraignment stage.