PSNI Seizes More Than £200,000 in Operation Lockstream

The PSNI Operation Lockstream crackdown has resulted in more than £200,000 in cash being seized across Northern Ireland.

Police also seized suspected illicit fuel, tobacco and cigarettes during intelligence-led operations targeting organised criminal networks using roads, ports and transport routes.

A 36-year-old man was charged with possession of criminal property after more than £170,000 was allegedly found hidden inside a vehicle in Belfast.

More Than £200,000 Seized During PSNI Operation Lockstream

The PSNI Operation Lockstream crackdown has led to the seizure of more than £200,000 in cash as part of a nationwide effort to disrupt organised crime.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch worked alongside HM Revenue and Customs and other law enforcement partners during a series of intelligence-led operations.

Operation Lockstream targets organised criminal networks suspected of exploiting road, rail and port routes to move people, money and other commodities.

The PSNI said the operation forms part of a wider multi-agency effort to safeguard the Common Travel Area and protect communities.

Searches Carried Out in Fermanagh

Between August 25 and 27, officers targeted criminal haulier networks believed to be exploiting the Common Travel Area.

Six commercial premises in the Fermanagh area were searched.

Police said hundreds of people and vehicles were engaged with during the operation.

One person was reported for driving offences, while HMRC officers seized suspected illicit fuel.

More Than 140 Vehicles Searched Across Northern Ireland

Further activity took place between September 21 and 27.

Police said officers:

• Engaged with more than 400 people
• Searched 141 vehicles across Northern Ireland
• Arrested a 19-year-old man in Belfast over suspected illegal entry into the UK
• Passed the 19-year-old to Home Office Enforcement

You can find more local information through the Northern Ireland Online Belfast guide.

More Than £170,000 Found in Belfast Vehicle

One of the largest seizures took place during a vehicle search in the Belfast area.

PSNI officers worked alongside the National Crime Agency during the search.

Police said more than £170,000 in cash was discovered hidden inside the vehicle.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of criminal property.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on September 25, 2026.

Cash, Tobacco and Cigarettes Seized in Cushendall

Further searches were conducted at two properties in the Cushendall area on September 30.

Police said officers seized almost £50,000 in cash.

They also recovered:

• 35kg of rolling tobacco
• 2,400 cigarettes
• Five mobile phones

Further searches connected with the operation took place in the Newry area on October 19.

Readers can find local updates and information on the Northern Ireland Online Newry page.

Police Target Organised Crime Networks

Detective Chief Inspector Shaw said organised crime networks operate across international boundaries and continually look for weaknesses within transport networks and the Common Travel Area.

Police said intelligence and evidence gathered during Operation Lockstream will contribute to ongoing investigations into several forms of criminality.

These include investigations into drug supply and other organised criminal activity.

The wider UK Operation Lockstream has involved police forces and agencies targeting organised criminal activity across road, rail and port networks.

How to Report Suspected Organised Crime

Anyone with information about suspected organised criminality is being encouraged to contact police.

For a non-emergency, call 101.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI online reporting service.

Anyone who wants to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the Crimestoppers anonymous reporting form.

In an emergency, always call 999.

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