Five people have been arrested following searches at five addresses across Northern Ireland – including in Lurgan and Tandragee.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch today, Wednesday, August 18, carried out searches with the support of Tactical Support Group officers.
The five males – aged 33, 34, 38, 41 and 43 – were arrested for a variety of offences including cultivation of cannabis. All remain in custody at this time.
Detective Inspector Kelly, from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch, said: “Today as a result of ongoing enquiries into an organised criminal gangs activities and with the assistance of a number of departments, we had a co-ordinated day of action.
“We have located and dismantled four cannabis cultivations within properties in Templepatrick, Coleraine, Tandragee and Lurgan.
“Each location was expertly set up containing rooms full of plants at various stages of growth.
“Clearly there was a conveyor belt supply of drugs being produced, with regular harvests across the properties, which would likely be sold on to other criminal gangs.
“The drugs recovered have a potential street value of approximately £500,000.
Cannabis cultivation in Templepatrick
“A fifth property in Newry was searched and the occupant located and arrested by Roads Policing officers in Portadown this morning. Four vehicles have also been seized by detectives.
“Organised crime gangs fund their criminality and lifestyle at the expense of others. Damage is caused to properties. Vulnerable people caught up in drug misuse suffer and it creates a pressure on families and the health service.
“I’m grateful to local people and communities for their continued support, and I’m keen to reiterate and appeal for anyone with information on this incident or drug supply in general to contact us on 101.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
