Man Jailed In Connection With Annahilt Cannabis Farm

The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Craigavon Crown Court in connection with a cannabis farm disovered in Annahilt in February, 2023.

Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence. During an earlier court appearance, Mr Weir pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis, using criminal property and converting criminal property.

Commenting, Detective Inspector Kelly from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch said: "On Friday, 3rd February 2023 detectives investigating organised drug criminality, supported by local Neighbourhood and District Support Teams, attended Mr Weir’s address in Annahilt.

"Officers located a substantial cannabis farm in a silo a few yards from the rear door of the resident’s house.

"Two men, Anh Nguyen and Quy Nguyen, were discovered living in a caravan inside the building and were arrested for drugs-related offences.

"They were both charged and later sentenced to one year in prison and one year on licence for cultivation of cannabis." Detective Inspector Kelly continued: "Specialist police search teams were required and it took four days to dismantle the cannabis farm due to the sheer size and complexity of the construction.

"Mr Weir was not present at his property when the cannabis farm was discovered, but was later interviewed by detectives regarding his involvement in the operation.

"Due to the vast quantities of drugs found, we believe this operation was capable of making millions of pounds over a number of harvests.

"This was a large and sophisticated cannabis farm and was clearly a well organised operation, which bore all the hallmarks of organised criminal gang involvement.

"These drugs would have made their way to other criminal groups across Northern Ireland, who in turn attempt to increase their grip on communities by onward supply and profiteering.

"Information from the public is crucial in helping us tackle the scourge of drugs and those who supply them."

Information can be given directly to police by calling 101 or online here.

Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org