Investigation continues after £20k of cannabis found at Cookstown address

Drugs and money found by the PSNI at a Cookstown property

The find, which was made last Wednesday [Dec 3], came as the result of raids on two properties in Ardboe and Cookstown.

And also led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man, who was later released from police custody.

The herbal cannabis, which was estimated to be worth a staggering £20,000 was discovered at a property in the Maloon Hill area of Cookstown - where the man that police have questioned was also arrested.

While a further search at premises in the Killycanavan Road area of Ardboe turned up further items which were seized by police, although no further arrests were made.

Speaking about the seizure, the PSNI’s Inspector Keith Jamieson said: “The drugs were found along with a substantial sum of cash during a proactive search in the Maloon Hill area.

“A second search was carried out in the Killycanavan Road area of Ardboe. A number of items were also seized from that property for further examination.

“The arrested man was questioned and released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has praised the police on a job well done following the find, which he says has taken more drugs off the streets.

“I welcome this seizure,” he said.

“It is disturbing to know that this type of activity is going on in our locality, but at the same time I would like to congratulate the police on their find.

“This seizure is a reflection of the steadfast vigilance of our police service in their efforts against illegal drugs,” he went on.

“The amount of cannabis and money taken would suggest that these drugs would have soon been circulating in the Cookstown area.

“Drug dealers pose a significant threat to our rural communities and particularly our young people.

“It is good that this store will now be out of circulation.

“A discovery this significant in Cookstown is evidence that the trade of illegal drugs in a problem that pervades all communities in the North and is not one relegated to the cities.

“Illegal drugs are not only dangerous to those that use them but also to the areas where drug trade and abuse can lead to rising crime.

“I would remind all residents of rural and urban communities to remain alert to the danger of drugs and contact their local PSNI branch with any relevant information.”