Man due in court following discovery of Cookstown cannabis factory
A man is due in court today following the discovery of a cannabis factory involving plants worth around £50,000 in the Cookstown area on Friday night.
The 37-year-old has been charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and criminal damage.
He is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Two other men, aged 33 and 41, who were arrested on suspicion of the same offences, have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
The arrests were made after police discovered a cannabis factory in the Kinturk Road area late on Friday, December 5.
Detective Inspector Maguire of the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch, said on Saturday: "Officers received a report that four men had caused criminal damage at a residential property at around 9.45pm.
"On attendance, they noted all windows at the property - which was unoccupied at the time - had been smashed and taps had been left running, leading to water damage throughout.
"When officers entered the property, they located cannabis plants with an approximate value of £50,000, spread over a number of rooms.
"We immediately identified three persons of interest, and on Saturday evening, December 6, they were stopped in a vehicle travelling on the M2.”
The vehicle was seized and three men arrested.
"Our investigation into this discovery is ongoing, and I would ask any member of the public who has any information which could be of assistance to police to contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1459 05/12/25.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”