Man Due In Court Over £460k Drug Find

A man is due in court on Thursday following the seizure of suspected cannabis worth an estimated £460,000 in north Belfast and Larne.

The 54 year-old is charged with aiding and abetting the importation of a controlled drug and other drug related offences. A 44 year-old woman arrested as part of the investigation has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The PSNI's Organised Crime Unit discovered the drugs during a proactive search operation.

Detective Inspector Peter Mullan said: "Drugs are a blight on our society and cause damage, not only to users, but to their families and communities.

"Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug and the most seized illegal drug in Northern Ireland. People should be aware that casual drug use also feeds into the coffers of the organised criminal gangs that supply illegal drugs and who use violence and intimidation to strike fear through the heart of our communities.

"We want people to consider when they hand over their money to a drug dealer, where that money goes and what it's used for; that it's not being invested for the good of the community. Instead, it's going to merciless organised crime gangs who peddle their ill-gotten gains with no regard for society.

"We are committed to tackling the issue of drugs and I would appeal to the public to speak to us on 101 if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area."

Details can also be passed anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)