£4m drugs haul seized at Larne Harbour as lorry from Scotland intercepted in major cross-border operation

Drugs seized during the police operation at Larne Harbour, County Antrim

Detectives have seized suspected drugs worth an estimated £4 million following a major cross-border operation targeting organised crime, after a lorry travelling from Scotland to Larne Harbour was stopped and searched on Monday, 27 April.

The operation, led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch in collaboration with the An Garda Síochána National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau, forms part of ongoing work under the Joint Agency Task Force to disrupt criminal networks operating across the island of Ireland.

Lorry stopped at Larne Harbour as large cannabis consignment uncovered

Officers intercepted the vehicle as it arrived into Larne Harbour, where a search led to the discovery of suspected cannabis concealed within a large number of boxes.

The seizure is believed to represent a significant supply chain intended for distribution to organised crime groups operating across multiple areas.

A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. He remains in police custody.

Police say drugs destined for organised crime groups across Ireland

A police spokesperson said:

“We believe the drugs in this consignment were intended to supply various organised crime groups across the island of Ireland.

“The Joint Agency Task Force was established with the aim of bringing a concerted and enhanced effort to tackle cross-jurisdictional organised crime.

“All partners within the Task Force are totally committed to working together to reduce the misery caused by drug smuggling and to dismantle the organised groups profiting from this type of criminality.”

The Joint Agency Task Force brings together law enforcement agencies north and south of the border, focusing on disrupting organised crime operations that exploit cross-jurisdictional routes.

‘Income stream denied’ as police highlight impact on communities

Police said the seizure not only removes a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation, but also cuts off a significant source of income for criminal networks.

The spokesperson continued:

“We are delighted these drugs have been removed from our streets and that this income stream has been denied to the criminal network.

“It isn’t difficult to imagine the harm that would have been caused by this volume of drugs being dealt on street corners to vulnerable people, children and those with addiction issues.

“Some people may think that the illegal distribution of cannabis is not a big deal. I’d ask them to just take a moment to think about the violence and exploitation that the organised criminals behind this could have wreaked upon our communities with the millions of pounds of profit they potentially stood to make.

“With the collective efforts of partners, we’ll work tirelessly to tackle such serious and organised criminality and bring those responsible to justice. We rely on the help of our community to do so and would appeal to anyone with information or concerns around illegal drug supply to contact us on 101.”

Public urged to come forward with information

Police are continuing their investigation and have urged the public to assist with any information relating to illegal drug activity.

Anyone with information or concerns can contact police 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

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At a glance

• Suspected drugs worth £4 million seized in Larne Harbour operation

• Lorry travelling from Scotland stopped and searched on Monday, 27 April

• Suspected cannabis found concealed within boxes

• 53-year-old man arrested and remains in custody

• Operation involved PSNI Organised Crime Branch and An Garda Síochána

• Drugs believed destined for organised crime groups across Ireland

• Police say seizure removes harm and cuts off criminal profits

• Public urged to report information via 101, PSNI website or Crimestoppers