Latest news with #OrganisedCrimeBranch
BreakingNews.ie
20 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Suspected cannabis operation linked to INLA, police say
Police say they have dismantled a significant suspected cannabis operation linked to the INLA in the Strabane area. Following a planned search, cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.4 million were seized. Advertisement Police said paraphernalia connected to drug cultivation and supply have also been seized. The operation on Wednesday was led by detectives from the Organised Crime Branch who are investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the INLA. Police have dismantled what is believed to be one of the biggest suspected cannabis operations in the North West in recent years. This follows a planned search operation in the Strabane area. Read more here: — Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) July 2, 2025 Officers from Derry City and Strabane, alongside tactical support group officers, police dog handlers and police dogs were involved. Two arrests have been made. Advertisement A spokesperson for the Organised Crime Branch said: 'We have dismantled a large, sophisticated suspected cannabis operation with row after row of suspected cannabis plants that filled two floors of the building. 'Our appeal is to anyone with information about suspected drug activity in your area, call us on the non-emergency number 101, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Derry city and Strabane area commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: 'Drugs cause misery in our communities, we have seen that far too often. 'We have also seen how large-scale drug operations are linked to organised crime gangs who will do anything to make money with no care for the harm they cause in our communities. Advertisement 'This has been a significant operation and reflects the police service's commitment to targeting drugs supply in Northern Ireland.'
Belfast Telegraph
21-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI seizes £420k of suspected Class A drugs in raid on property
The raid was carried out on Friday evening (June 20), at a property on Gorestown Road in the Co Tyrone town, as part of an investigation by the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Officers also recovered a sum of cash and drug paraphernalia, all of which have been taken for forensic examination. Two men, aged 39 and 24, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of multiple drug-related offences. They remain in police custody. Detective Inspector Stickland said the seizure was a significant step in tackling the harm caused by illegal drugs: 'As a result of this excellent police work, a large quantity of suspected dangerous controlled drugs are now safely off our streets.' Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes He added that police efforts to disrupt the supply and misuse of illegal substances would continue, and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the PSNI via 101, report online at or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Sunday World
11-06-2025
- Sunday World
Cops seize large quantity of drugs from €590k Lurgan cannabis farm
Police said a cannabis farm was discovered on the property which housed plants with an estimated street value of €590,000 The PSNI have seized a large number of Cass B drugs following a search of a property in the Colane Road area of Lurgan on Tuesday 10th June. Police said a cannabis farm was discovered on the property which housed plants with an estimated street value of €590,000 and was described as 'fundamentally dangerous'. The PSNI said three men aged 69, 55 and 27 have been arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis. Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney of the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch said 'This is the most sophisticated cannabis farm I have encountered. 'A substantial degree of engineering and investment has gone into the construction and concealment of this underground facility, which housed plants with an estimated street value of €590,000; however, this set-up is fundamentally dangerous and we have availed of the expertise of several partner agencies to make the site safe for officers to properly examine the scene and remove plants and equipment.' Anyone with information about suspected drug-dealing in their area is encouraged to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. The seized cannabis Photo credit PSNI News in 90 Seconds - June 11th
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI seize large quantity of drugs from £500k Lurgan cannabis farm
Police said a cannabis farm was discovered on the property which housed plants with an estimated street value of £500,000 and was described as 'fundamentally dangerous'. The PSNI said three men aged 69, 55 and 27 have been arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis. Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney of the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch said 'This is the most sophisticated cannabis farm I have encountered.' News Catch Up - Wednesday 11th June 2025 'A substantial degree of engineering and investment has gone into the construction and concealment of this underground facility, which housed plants with an estimated street value of £500,000; however, this set-up is fundamentally dangerous and we have availed of the expertise of several partner agencies to make the site safe for officers to properly examine the scene and remove plants and equipment.' Anyone with information about suspected drug-dealing in their area is encouraged to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
