Two men were questioned today about the murder of a suspected international drugs dealer.
Both are believed to be former associates of Daron McReynolds (41), who vanished in November 2001. His body has never been found. But detectives confirmed today they were treating the case as murder.
Mr McReynolds from Coagh, Co Tyrone, in Northern Ireland, is believed to have disappeared after a row over money. It's understood he was involved in drug and cigarette smuggling in Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, and various other parts of Europe, including the Eastern Bloc.
At one stage he lived in Andorra. At the time he went missing he lived at addresses in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and Moneymore, Co Derry.
Mr McReynolds was unmarried and registered as unemployed. Even though he was not wanted by police when he went missing, detectives believe he was heavily involved in crime.
He was educated at Queen's University and had the nickname "Shmatteh Kid" based on the pivotal character in Miller's Crossing, the Coen Brothers' cult movie about Irish gangsters which starred Gabriel Byrne and Albert Finney. As part of the police investigation, Mr McReynolds' financial affairs were investigated, but there was no sign of any money being withdrawn.
Det Supt Derek Williamson, who is heading up the inquiry, confirmed a murder probe was now under way because of a lack of any routine life activity.
It is understood the two men being questioned at Antrim were among four detained in the Cookstown area, Co Tyrone, on Tuesday. One was accused today with deception and money laundering and a second released without charge.
PA