The Police Service of Northern Ireland has taken part in Operation Lockstream, a nationwide intensified disruption of organised criminal use of road, rail and port networks.
During this time, detectives from the Organised Crime Branch, working in conjunction with colleagues from HMRC, carried out a number of intelligence-led proactive activities.
Detective Chief Inspector Shaw said: “This work is part of a nationwide, multi-agency approach to safeguarding the Common Travel Area and protecting our communities from harm.
“Over a three-day period from 25th to 27th August, officers targeted criminal haulier networks who exploit the Common Travel Area for their own financial gain. Six commercial premises in the Fermanagh area were searched and hundreds of people and vehicles were engaged with. One person was reported for driving offences and HMRC colleagues seized suspected illicit fuel.
“Later, between 21st and 27th September, officers again targeted these haulier networks – this time engaging with over 400 people and searching 141 vehicles across Northern Ireland. One man, aged 19, was arrested in the Belfast area for illegal entry into the UK, and passed to Home Office Enforcement to further progress.
“A man aged 36 was arrested following a search of a vehicle, in conjunction with the National Crime Agency, in the Belfast area. Officers discovered more than £170,000 in cash hidden inside the vehicle (pictured). The cash was seized, and the man was charged with possession of criminal property. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on 25th September 2026.
“On 30th September, two properties were searched in the Cushendall area and almost £50,000 in cash seized, alongside 35kg of rolling tobacco, 2,400 cigarettes and five mobile phones.
“Additional searches also took place in the Newry area on 19th October.”
Detective Chief Inspector Shaw continued: “Sophisticated organised crime networks work across international boundaries and look for every opportunity to exploit potential weaknesses in the Common Travel Area and transport networks.
“Our work continues year-round, and the intelligence and evidence we have gathered will feed into our ongoing investigations into a broad range of criminality, including the drug supply which brings so much misery to our communities.
“Working together with partners to keep people safe, we are committed to disrupting Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), pursuing offenders, and bringing them to justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Shaw is keen to thank the public for the information they provide. “Our work relies heavily on the support of the public, and we continue to ask people to come forward with any information they have.
“I would encourage anyone with information about suspected organised criminality in their area to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
“You can also make a report to police online at www.psni.police.uk/report. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”.
