Detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch have charged a 47-year-old male with a catalogue of drugs offences following the discovery of a number of cannabis factories last year with an estimated street value of £1.6 million.
He faces three charges of being concerned in the supply of class B controlled drug, three of cultivating cannabis, three of possession of class B controlled drug with intent to supply, and a further three of possession of a class B controlled drug.
He is due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ court tomorrow, Thursday, November 19.
As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
The 47-year-old was detained in London last night, (Tuesday), and was returned to Northern Ireland for questioning.
He was arrested on suspicion of a number of drug related offences including cultivating cannabis, possession of a Class B drug and possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.
Detective Inspector Keith Gawley, speaking after the arrest, explained: “The arrest follows the discovery of suspected cannabis factories in the Haypark Avenue area of Belfast and the Rugby Avenue area of Belfast on 19th March, 2014.
“Suspected herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of £500,000 and other drugs paraphernalia was recovered from the Rugby Avenue area property and suspected herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of £400,000 was seized at a property in the Haypark Avenue.
“The 47-year-old, has also been arrested in connection with the discovery of cannabis factory in the Church Street area of Portadown on 15th October, 2014, during which cannabis with an estimated street value of more than £750,000 was seized.”
Picture for illustration purposes only
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