Six arrests in £1.3m drugs bust
Cannabis haul one of NI's largest ever
Last updated 31st Mar 2018
Six people, including three pensioners, have been arrested after police seized around £1.3 million worth of herbal cannabis in Dromore
The drugs were found hidden inside an industrial sized fuel tank on a shipping pallet, as part of a cross border, joint PSNI and Garda operation on Friday night.
Police on both sides of the border were assisted by customs’ officials as part of the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force.
Five people, three men aged 32, 37 and 72 and two women both aged 68 were arrested on Friday night.
The pensioners have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
A sixth person, a 42-year-old woman, was arrested on Saturday morning and remains in police custody.
Speaking on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said it represents the importance of a collaborative approach.
"With the assistance of our colleagues in An Garda Síochána and Revenue Commissioners we have undoubtedly prevented the significant harm that would have resulted from this huge consignment of drugs reaching the streets of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland today," he said.
"This seizure and the associated searches and arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of the real time intelligence sharing and cross-border collaboration that takes place daily to tackle serious and organised criminality in both jurisdictions."
Also speaking on Friday, An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Barry O’Brien said: “I wish to commend all agencies involved in both jurisdictions which resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of controlled drugs.
"This demonstrates the practical application of the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force."
ACC Martin concluded: “Our thanks go to all those involved in this operation for their diligence and professionalism. Their combined hard work and dedication has gone a long way in helping us achieve our shared goal of keeping people safe."
On Saturday the PSNI gave an update.
Officers said they believe the drugs are linked to an organised crime group operating in Northern Ireland:
Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton, head of the PSNI's organised crime unit said: "This seizure of herbal cannabis yesterday is estimated to be worth in the region of £1.3 million.
"It is the largest seizure for some time and we are delighted to have been able to take these drugs out of circulation, in collaboration with our partner agencies.
"Cannabis can ruin lives and line the pockets of organised criminals.
"The combined hard work and dedication of the Task Force has gone a long way in helping us achieve our shared goal of keeping people safe.
"We are continuing to investigate but at the moment, we believe these drugs are linked to the activities of an organised crime group, operating in Northern Ireland."