Cannabis factory found in Blackwatertown. Credit: PSNI
Cannabis factory found in Blackwatertown. Credit: PSNI
Cannabis factory found in Blackwatertown. Credit: PSNI
A “sophisticated cannabis factory” has been discovered in Co Armagh after police knocked on the door of a house to tell the occupants to turn down their music.
Local policing officers in Blackwatertown were dealing with a separate report of a driver believed to be under the influence when they attended the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Whilst searching for the driver, who had abandoned the vehicle prior to police arriving, they noted extremely loud music emanating from a residential property in the Main Street area.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Dougherty from Serious Crime Branch, who is now leading the investigation, said that officers attended the home to ask those inside to lower the volume before suspicions were raised.
Cannabis factory found in Blackwatertown. Credit: PSNI
“Permission was given for police to enter the property and a strong smell of cannabis was noted,” they said.
“Upon searching the property, officers located a total of approximately 200 cannabis plants alongside a number of vacuum sealed bags of cannabis buds, a large sum of cash, and drug-related paraphernalia.
“It was also noted that the electricity meter board had been tampered with and the supply bypassed.”
Two men, aged 43 and 54, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, possession of a class B controlled drug, and possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply.
The 43-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of dishonestly using electricity.
Both men remain in custody while police enquiries continue.
Cannabis factory found in Blackwatertown. Credit: PSNI
“Thanks to these observant officers, a substantial quantity of drugs has been prevented from reaching our streets and what appears to be a well-organised operation has been dismantled,” added the senior police officer.
“Targeting drugs supply is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“We are committed to tackling the scourge of illicit drugs, and will continue to investigate all those who profit from the misery and harm they cause our community.”