Serious concerns have been raised over public safety and organised crime after the discovery of a suspected cannabis factory at a residential property in Belleeks.
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan said the suspected grow‑house highlights the wider dangers created when ordinary homes are converted for large‑scale drug production.
She said: “The discovery of this cannabis ‘grow‑house’ in Belleeks is deeply concerning and highlights the very real dangers posed by these illegal operations in our communities.
“This is not simply a case of drugs being grown behind closed doors. These properties can be turned into extremely dangerous environments, with electrical systems dangerously tampered with, high‑powered lighting installed and extensive damage caused to the fabric of the building.”
Ms Finnegan warned that the fire risk associated with such operations is “enormous”.
“Overloaded wiring, illegal electricity connections, and makeshift ventilation systems can turn an ordinary family home into a death trap, putting neighbouring households, emergency service personnel and the wider community at serious risk,” she said.
“In this latest incident, significant damage has reportedly been caused to the property to facilitate the operation. It is unacceptable that residential homes are being exploited in this way, with such reckless disregard for public safety.”
The MLA said she is particularly worried about the apparent increase in similar set‑ups in rural areas.
“We cannot allow criminal gangs to view our rural villages and communities as convenient locations for dangerous drug production,” she added.
“These operations can also be linked to wider organised criminality, including exploitation and human trafficking. They must never be dismissed as victimless crimes.
“The people of Belleeks and south Armagh deserve to live in safe communities, free from the dangers associated with drug factories and organised criminal activity.”
Ms Finnegan urged landlords and letting agents to be on their guard for signs that properties may be being misused.
“Property owners must be alert to the warning signs of illegal activity and take reasonable steps to ensure their properties and our communities are not being exploited by criminal gangs,” she said.
“Landlords should be particularly vigilant about unusual alterations to properties, suspicious electrical work, blocked windows, unusual ventilation equipment, and other signs that a property may be being used for criminal purposes.
“I would encourage the wider community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“Those responsible for establishing these dangerous operations must be held accountable. There can be absolutely no tolerance for criminal activity that puts people’s homes, safety and lives at risk.”
