GAA star charged in UK's biggest drugs probe has electronic tag removed for exam in Cork
A former GAA All-Ireland winning footballer charged over the UK's biggest probe into an organised drug dealing network today had his bail varied to allow him to travel to Cork this weekend.Peter Loughran, 50, of Tannamore Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, is awaiting trial on over 30 charges involving the supply of Class A drugs and possessing criminal property arising out of the National Crime Agency's 'Operation Venetic' investigation.'Operation Venetic' was launched in 2020 after French police infiltrated the Dutch-based encrypted communications network known as 'EncroChat' which was used by organised crime groups to deal in drugs and launder the proceeds of their activities.Those behind 'EncroChat' believed in March 2020 that police had hacked into its secure system and told its clients to ditch their phones immediately.But it was too late as French detectives had already been downloading tens of thousands of messages between users who used pseudonyms to hide their true identities.In June 2020, Loughran was arrested and subsequently appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court charged with drug and Proceeds of Crime offences allegedly committed on dates between March 26, 2020 and June 14, 2020.According to court papers, it is alleged Loughran was in conversation through EncroChat with people using the pseudonyms such as 'Parkman', 'Jetland' and 'Dushrhino' to convert large sums of cash.He was remanded in custody but was subsequently granted bail when a surety of £30,000 in cash was put up to secure his release.As part of his bail conditions he was to abide by an evening to morning curfew and to be electronically tagged.At Belfast Crown Court on Thursday, Loughran applied to have his bail conditions varied to allow him to travel to Cork this weekend.The defendant told Judge Neil Rafferty KC that he was travelling down to Cork at 7am on Friday for an exam and would return on Saturday, March 28.Initially, the prosecution resisted the application as a barrister said the PSNI had no way of monitoring Loughran's movements outside the jurisdiction if the electronic tag was removed.Said Judge Rafferty: "Presumably, Mr Loughran's concern is that when the Moses sandals and shorts come out, he is then walking around Cork with a dazzling piece of ankle jewellery.''After legal discussions, it was agreed to remove the electronic tag today (Thursday) and it is to be refitted on Sunday, March 29.His curfew will be suspended while he is out of the jurisdiction but will come back into force on his return on Saturday.Loughran won the Sam Maguire trophy with Tyrone at Croke Park in 2003 but was an unused sub in Mickey Harte's All-Ireland team.For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
