A Co Antrim woman who allegedly acted as an intermediary for a crime gang running a multi-million pound cross-border cocaine smuggling operation is to be granted bail, a High Court judge has ruled.
Catherine Osborne is accused of being part of a crime gang involved in moving major amounts of drugs and cash from the Republic into Northern Ireland.
The 24-year-old, of Canning Grove in Crumlin, was arrested during a series of searches carried out last week.
Three men suspected of playing roles in the illicit racket were also detained in raids across Belfast which resulted in the seizure of drugs, money, mobile phones, five high-value cars and Rolex watches.
Detectives believe the gang has been shifting multi-kilo consignments of cocaine and cannabis across the border for onward distribution over the past two years.
Set up and run on a hierarchical structure, some senior members allegedly facilitated and arranged the movements without hands-on activity.
Separate pricing structures were put in place to sell the drugs at a profit in Northern Ireland through a network of drivers and lower-level street dealers, it was contended.
Based on evidence gathered from mobile phone messages, police claim Osborne played a role in the operation.
She was described in court as an alleged “intermediary” in moving drugs and cash, along with having access to a ledger and a hide used by the gang.
Osborne faces charges of possessing criminal property, conspiring with a co-accused and being concerned in the supply of cocaine on dates between October 2022 and September 2023.
Opposing her application for bail, prosecution counsel submitted: “This isn’t simply a money mule case.
“This is someone we believe to be quite significantly involved in this operation.”
Osbourne’s barrister argued, however, that she is only alleged to have assisted a co-defendant who allegedly held a more senior role as a logistics manager.
Sean Devine also questioned why the authorities were attempting to stop his client being released on allegations dating back two years.
“It is a capricious and arbitrary attitude towards this applicant,” he added.
Granting bail to Osborne, Mr Justice Huddleston ordered her to live under curfew at an approved address.
He also imposed a ban on leaving Northern Ireland and directed that she must allow inspection of her mobile phone when she reports in with police.