Major £130,000 drugs haul uncovered after report of erratic driving in Maghera

Police discovered a cannabis cultivation operation in the garage of a home in Maghera

A report of erratic driving in Maghera has led police to uncover a large-scale cannabis operation with an estimated street value of more than £130,000, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of drugs, cash and weapons.

The discovery was made on Saturday, 13 June, when officers from Mid Ulster Police carried out follow-up enquiries at a residential property after receiving a complaint about a vehicle that had reportedly been driven erratically and was parked in the property’s driveway.

What initially appeared to be a routine enquiry quickly escalated into a significant drugs detection operation after officers searched the premises.

Cannabis grow discovered in garage

While at the address, police discovered a cannabis cultivation operation inside the property’s garage.

Officers found the grow was being powered through an electricity bypass and seized a substantial quantity of suspected herbal cannabis along with cannabis edibles.

Early estimates place the street value of the suspected drugs at more than £130,000.

In addition to the drugs, officers also recovered a substantial quantity of cash and seized two air weapons from the property.

Two men arrested as investigation launched

Two men were arrested at the scene in connection with a number of offences linked to the supply of controlled drugs.

Police confirmed that an investigation is now underway and enquiries remain ongoing following the discovery.

The seizure represents one of a number of recent operations targeting drug-related criminality across the Mid Ulster district, where police say disrupting the supply of illegal drugs remains a key priority.

Police highlight ongoing crackdown on drug supply

Mid Ulster Police said officers continue to carry out proactive work aimed at tackling organised drug activity and protecting local communities from the harm associated with illegal substances.

A spokesperson said:

“Every day Mid Ulster Police work in the interests of our community. Tackling drug supply remains a key policing priority for our district.”

The spokesperson added that the operation was one of several recent successes and said officers had made significant progress through a series of investigations and enforcement activities in recent months.

Police described Saturday’s detection as another example of their commitment to disrupting the supply of illegal drugs across the district.

Appeal for information from the public

Police are encouraging residents to continue reporting concerns about suspected criminal activity in their communities.

Anyone with concerns about a property in their area or information relating to suspected drug activity is urged to contact police.

Members of the public can call 101, report information online via the PSNI website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The latest seizure highlights how information provided by members of the public can play a crucial role in helping police identify and disrupt suspected criminal activity, with what began as a report about driving behaviour ultimately leading to the discovery of a significant drugs operation.