Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit, in partnership with their UK counterparts, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, conducted a number of searches in England and Northern Ireland today (Thursday).
During the operation, a large quantity of tobacco was seized from a house in the Newry area and a 39-year-old man was arrested.
A 33-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were also arrested in the North East of England, with all three remaining in police custody at this time.
A referral to HMRC is to be made regarding the seized tobacco.
Detective Superintendent Richard Thornton said: “This collaboration with our partner agencies demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime and the criminality linked to drug importation, supply and use that often results in drug debts, drug addiction and drug related deaths within our communities.”
The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to drug importation and follows a search of a van in the Belfast Harbour area on December 20 last year.
A large quantity of suspected Class B drugs were seized and a 33-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with drug-related offences.
Anyone with information about the illicit supply, possession or misuse of drugs is asked to call police in confidence on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
