38-Year-Old Charged In Connection With £10m Cocaine Seizure

A 38-year-old man is due to appear before Newry Magistrates' Court charged in connection with a major drug seizure n South Armagh.

An estimated £10 million of suspected Class A drugs were uncovered hidden inside a lorry, that was stopped by Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, whilst on routine patrol in the Jonesborough area of South Armagh on Monday evening, 11th December.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of suspected cocaine concealed within boxes containing frozen meat products, worth an estimated street value of £10 million.

"A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a number of driving-related offences.

"This is the largest seizure of suspected cocaine in Northern Ireland by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"The sophistication of the concealment method and sheer quantity of the drugs gives an indication of the scale of criminality involved.

"I believe that this significant quantity of drugs would have been distributed and sold in local communities across Northern Ireland bringing untold harm.

The man is to face charges of a number of offences, including possession of Class A controlled drugs, driving while disqualified and paying for sexual services.

Commenting on the case, UUP Councillor David Taylor said: "The discovery of such a large quantity of drugs in South Armagh is very welcome news.

"I want to offer my thanks to officers within the Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team for the diligence they have shown which has resulted in the seizure of this substantial haul.

"Their professionalism on duty has ensured the drugs seized will never reach our streets for distribution thereby preventing harm being caused to local communities."