Drugs with estimated value of £400K seized in Belfast

Police in Belfast have seized cannabis which is believed to be worth around £400,000.

The find was made on Saturday in the Belfast Harbour area.

It was concealed in a wardrobe within a vehicle which had been stopped and searched.

A sum of cash was also found - a 33-year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.

He was taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station for questioning and remains in custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said: “This search, seizure and arrest was conducted as part of our ongoing commitment to address the criminality linked to drug importation, supply and use that often results in drug debts, drug addiction and drug related deaths within our communities.

“Through Operation DEALBREAKER, and the multi-agency efforts of the Organised Crime Task Force, we will continue to carry out operations, to break the cycle of those who seek to cause harm through the illegal importation and supply of drugs in Northern Ireland, and to dismantle the organised criminal gangs who profit from this incredibly harmful activity.

“I wish to be absolutely clear – this type of large scale importation is conducted by sophisticated organised crime gangs, both paramilitary and otherwise. These gangs are utterly ruthless in their exploitation of the most vulnerable in our society and they cause this misery for no other reason than personal profit.

“We cannot tackle this scourge without the help of the public. I appeal to anyone with information about illegal drug use or supply, to call police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ . The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

“To anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol and/ or drugs and would like to get help please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info for information on support services near you.

“There is also a range of services available if you are affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse. Information on these services is also available on this website. These services are available to you regardless of whether or not your loved one is receiving help for their alcohol and/or drug problem.”