Appeal for Information Following Discovery of Cannabis Factory in Newry

Police are appealing for information after a cannabis factory was discovered at a property in the Thomas Street area of Bessbrook, near Newry, following a house fire on Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported, and the fire is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a cannabis factory at a residential property in the Newry area.

Officers were alerted to the incident at around 4.25pm on Sunday, 18 January, after receiving a report of a house fire on Thomas Street in Bessbrook, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Fire Report Leads to Cannabis Discovery

Inspector Walker said police attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the fire.

During their attendance, firefighters advised police that they had discovered a substantial quantity of cannabis and related equipment inside the property.

No Injuries and No Risk to the Public

Thankfully, no one was inside the property at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Inspector Walker reassured local residents that there was no ongoing risk to the public and confirmed that the scene was made safe following the incident.

At this stage, the fire is not being treated as suspicious, and police enquiries are continuing.

Police Appeal for Information

Targeting the supply of illegal drugs remains a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist their investigation to contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 870 of 18/01/25.

Alternatively, information can be provided online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form or anonymously through Crimestoppers.