Cookstown hotel owner de-arrested on suspicion of drug offences

By Q Radio News

A 52 year-old man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of three teens in Cookstown over the weekend - has been dearrested on suspicion of drugs related offences.

He was arrested earlier today on suspicion of possesing class A drugs with intent to supply.

Police later said they had "de-arrested" the 52-year-old following fast-track forensic examination of a white powder substance and tin foil found during a search of a house in Moneymore.

A statement confirmed: "Detectives from PSNI's major investigation team investigating the deaths of three teenagers at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on Saint Patrick's Day have de-arrested a 52-year-old man, who was arrested earlier today on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

"This follows fast-track forensic examination of a suspicious package consisting of a white-powder substance and tin foil, found during a search of a house in Moneymore.

"The 52-year-old and the 40-year-old man remain in custody on suspicion of manslaughter."

A statement by Michael McElhatton said: "While I wished to respect the ongoing investigation by the police into the tragic deaths of the three young people at the Greenvale Hotel on St Patrick's night, I have no choice but to make it completely clear that I have nothing whatsoever to do with drugs.

"I can assure everyone that whatever any suspicions the police have raised about me in relation to anything to do with drugs is totally without any basis.

"I am shocked and horrified that the powdery substance taken by police from the laundry in my house could be drugs.

"Despite there being no basis to these suspicions, they have blackened my name and caused so much upset for so many people, especially those who are grieving and distressed over the events at the Greenvale Hotel."