Peter Loughran, 50, from Tannamore Road in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, had his bail conditions varied at Belfast Crown Court to permit travel to Cork. The adjustment allows removal of his electronic tag for an exam.

Loughran faces over 30 charges related to Class A drug supply and possessing criminal property. The charges stem from Operation Venetic, a National Crime Agency investigation launched in 2020.

French police infiltrated the EncroChat network used by crime groups for drug dealing and money laundering. Users abandoned the platform in March 2020 after believing it was compromised.

Authorities arrested Loughran in June 2020. He first appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on offences dated between March 26 and June 14, 2020.

Court documents indicate Loughran communicated via EncroChat with users identified by pseudonyms including Parkman, Jetland and Dushrhino about converting cash sums.

Loughran secured bail with a £30,000 cash surety. Conditions included a curfew and electronic tagging.

At court on Thursday, Loughran requested variation for travel starting Friday at 7am, with return on Saturday, March 28. Judge Neil Rafferty KC approved tag removal Thursday and refitting Sunday, March 29. Curfew suspension applies outside jurisdiction.