The case of a Chinese man challenging his imprisonment ahead of his trial on drugs charges, is due back before the High Court today.

The defendant (36) claims he is a victim of human trafficking.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claims he was trafficked here from China in 2011 to work off an unpaid family debt.

He says he was made work in several restaurants before he got a job tending the plants in a cannabis grow house on Henrietta Street in Dublin.

Gardaí raided the premises in November 2012 and charges were brought against him.

He is in custody awaiting trial, but his lawyers claim his detention is unlawful because he is a victim of trafficking and was compelled to work in the grow house.

The State is opposing his release - their lawyers say he appeared to be free to leave the grow house, had internet access and was in possession of an iphone 4.

The case is due back in court today.