£4m Larne drugs seizure: Man charged to court following major cross-border operation

A 53-year-old man is to appear in court after detectives seized suspected drugs worth an estimated £4 million at Larne Harbour, in a significant operation targeting organised crime networks operating across Northern Ireland and the wider island of Ireland.

The development follows a major joint investigation involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch and the An Garda Síochána National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau, working together under the Joint Agency Task Force to disrupt cross-border criminality.

Lorry from Scotland intercepted as large cannabis haul uncovered

The case centres on the stop and search of a lorry travelling from Scotland to Larne Harbour on Monday, 27 April, during which detectives uncovered suspected cannabis concealed within a large number of boxes.

The scale of the seizure, with an estimated street value of £4 million, points to a substantial supply chain believed to be linked to organised crime groups operating across multiple regions.

The driver, a 53-year-old man, was arrested at the scene as part of the operation and has since been formally charged.

Multiple charges brought as case moves to court

Following his arrest, the man has now been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

In addition to the drugs offences, he also faces charges relating to road traffic matters, including having no driving licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

He is due to appear before Antrim Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday 28 April.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges will be subject to review by the Public Prosecution Service.

Cross-border task force targets organised crime networks

The investigation forms part of wider efforts by the Joint Agency Task Force, which brings together law enforcement partners north and south of the border to tackle organised crime groups exploiting cross-jurisdictional routes.

Operations of this scale are aimed at disrupting supply chains, preventing drugs from reaching communities, and targeting the financial structures underpinning criminal networks.

The seizure at Larne Harbour represents a significant intervention in that effort, removing a high-value consignment before it could be distributed.

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At a glance

• 53-year-old man charged following £4 million drugs seizure at Larne Harbour

• Suspected cannabis discovered in lorry travelling from Scotland on Monday, 27 April

• Operation carried out by PSNI and An Garda Síochána under Joint Agency Task Force

• Man charged with possession and intent to supply Class B drugs

• Additional charges include no driving licence and no insurance

• Court appearance scheduled for Tuesday 28 April at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court

• Case subject to review by Public Prosecution Service