A number of cannabis cultivations were dismantled
Some of the plants discovered in Tandragee
A cultivation in Coleraine
The haul in Templepatrick
Five men have been arrested after police seized drugs valued at approximately £500,000 in a series of raids on Wednesday.
The searches, carried out with the support of the PSNI’s Tactical Support Group (TSG) officers, took place at five different addresses across NI.
Five males aged 33, 34, 38, 41 and 43 were detained on suspicion of a variety of offences including cultivation of cannabis.
The haul in Templepatrick
Detective Inspector Kelly, from the Police Service’s 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.
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“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.
A cultivation in Coleraine
“A fifth property in Newry was searched and the occupant located and arrested by Roads Policing officers in Portadown this morning. Four vehicles have also been seized by detectives.
“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.
Some of the plants discovered in Tandragee
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“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”