Liverpool man accused of drug smuggling kept in custody

A Liverpool man who is accused of bringing heroin with a street value of £4,500 into Shetland on the NorthLink ferry on Saturday morning was remanded in custody after appearing in court on Monday.

Ian Byrne, of Roundhey, Stockbridge Village, was searched by police at Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal after he arrived on the Hrossey. Police seized the class A drug and Byrne was arrested.

Byrne appeared from custody on petition at Lerwick Sheriff Court. He made no plea or declaration, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

Police were acting as part of an intelligence-led operation which also resulted in arrests and drugs seizures in Caithness.