Drugs find welcomed

The cannabis seizure was made last Wednesday evening following a vehicle check at Hillsborough Road roundabout and a 49-year-old man was arrested and later charged with possession of class B controlled drugs and possession of class B controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Mr Givan commented, “I welcome this discovery of such a significant quantity of cannabis following a search of a vehicle on Wednesday.

“The police must be commended for the action they have taken to intervene to halt the transportation of these controlled drugs.

“The arrest of a man should make it clear to those responsible for organising the distribution of drugs that the police are committed to eradicating this activity.

“I appeal to any member of the public who may have any additional information to support the police investigation to come forward with this immediately.”

Organised Crime Branch boss, Detective Chief Superintendent Roy McComb, said this latest find had brought the total estimated value of drugs seized in Northern Ireland since last April to just under £14m.

“The criminal gangs who sell this deadly product prey on their communities and we are working to disrupt them at every turn,” he added.

“Where Wednesday night’s shipment was going to will be part of the investigation, but I can tell you now it’s not going anywhere apart from into our safe keeping.

He said the “significant” seizure reinforces the PSNI commitment to reducing the effects that drugs have on communities in NI.

“We are appealing for anyone with any information concerning this or any other incident regarding the supply or distribution of controlled drugs to contact their local police,” added DCS McComb.