Drugs worth an estimated £600,000 seized in north Belfast

Detectives from PSNI Organised Crime Branch have arrested a man and seized cannabis with an estimated street value of more than £600,000 in north Belfast.

A sophisticated cannabis factory was uncovered at a commercial warehouse on Limestone Road on Friday 7 June. Follow up enquiries identified a vehicle which was subsequently stopped by police in Holywood. A large quantity of cannabis was located inside the vehicle and the driver, a 32 year old man, was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.

He remains in custody at present.

Detective Chief Inspector Mullan said: “As a Service we are continually working hard to prevent and detect as much drug-related activity as possible and yesterday’s seizure is an example of effective community-based policing at its best. These efforts are in keeping with Operation Dealbreaker, our organisational commitment to tackle every aspect of drug misuse across Northern Ireland, and that includes its harrowing impact on the lives and relationships of local people. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ drug.

DCI Mullan added: “Information from the public is key in helping us to identify the people and places involved in the drugs trade and I would appeal to anyone with any information about suspected drug production or dealing in their area to call the non-emergency number 101 or submit information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”

Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org