PSNI dismantle £500k cannabis farms in major organised crime operation

Quantity of suspected cannabis from a property in Templepatrick

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Organised Crime Branch have seized cannabis plants worth an estimated £500,000 following a coordinated series of raids across the region.

On Wednesday 13th August, officers carried out searches at five addresses with the support of the PSNI’s Tactical Support Group, resulting in the arrest of five men aged 33, 34, 38, 41 and 43. All remain in custody.

The targeted operation saw cannabis cultivations dismantled in Templepatrick, Coleraine, Tandragee and Lurgan, with a fifth search conducted in Newry. Roads Policing officers later arrested the Newry suspect in Portadown. Four vehicles linked to the investigation were also seized.

Quantity of suspected cannabis from a property in Templepatrick

Detective Inspector Kelly from the Organised Crime Branch said:

“Today as a result of ongoing enquiries into an organised criminal gangs activities and with the assistance of a number of departments, we had a co-ordinated day of action.

“We have located and dismantled four cannabis cultivations within properties in Templepatrick, Coleraine, Tandragee and Lurgan. Each location was expertly set up containing rooms full of plants at various stages of growth.

“Clearly there was a conveyor belt supply of drugs being produced, with regular harvests across the properties, which would likely be sold on to other criminal gangs. The drugs recovered have a potential street value of approximately £500,000.”

Quantity of suspected cannabis from a property in Coleraine

Quantity of suspected cannabis from a property in Tandragee

A fifth property in Newry was searched, with the occupant arrested in Portadown shortly afterwards.

DI Kelly highlighted the wider harm caused by organised drug production, stating:

“Organised crime gangs fund their criminality and lifestyle at the expense of others. Damage is caused to properties. Vulnerable people caught up in drug misuse suffer and it creates a pressure on families and the health service.

“I’m grateful to local people and communities for their continued support, and I’m keen to reiterate and appeal for anyone with information on this incident or drug supply in general to contact us on 101.”

Reports can also be made via the PSNI’s online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.