A MAN arrested on suspicion of possessing Class-A drugs with intent to supply during a raid on an Oxford pub has been released on bail.

Kenston McIntosh was charged as part of Operation Relight, in which 40 officers searched the Nelson Pub in Between Towns Road, Cowley.

The 55-year-old was arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin following the Friday night raid, which took place at about 11.15pm.

He appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesteday for a preliminary hearing in which his case was sent up to the crown court.

After hearing arguments from prosecution and defence solicitors, the magistrates decided to release him on conditional bail.

McIntosh will be on an electronically tagged curfew and will have to report to Oxford Police Station every day.

The Nelson remains closed while Thames Valley Police makes a decision about whether to review its premises licence.

A spokesman for the Spirit Pub Company, which owns the venue and holds the premises licence, said: “We understand the pub remains closed temporarily. We’re unable to provide any further details at the moment.”

McIntosh, of Freeland Road, Oxford, will have his first hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, May 23.