Police intercepted a postal delivery of £150,000 worth of herbal cannabis during an operation that included searches of 11 houses in Armagh and Down.
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie joined the PSNI anti-drugs operation carried out in Portadown, Armagh, Banbridge and Lurgan. Three people were arrested.
Mr Beattie said he was invited on the operation and witnessed the “incredible professional men and women doing an incredibly difficult job”.
Good good go join @PSNIABC as they conducted 10 searches right across the borough. 👏👏👏
— Doug Beattie (@BeattieDoug) February 29, 2024
Hearing the individual police officers concerns, aspirations, commitment and dedication was important. @ChiefConPSNI pic.twitter.com/goz7PCURGw
The PSNI said it was the third targeted “day of action” against drug dealers in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon district since September last year.
A large large quantity of drugs and drug-related items were seized, neighbourhood policing Inspector Adam Ruston said, adding officers “intercepted a postal delivery containing an estimated £150,000 worth of suspected cannabis”.
Inspector Ruston said: “Officers from teams across the Police Service of Northern Ireland worked together to conduct multiple searches in the area.
“This was the third such targeted day of action since September 2023 and was an opportunity for us to focus on one of our district priorities – to tackle the illegal supply of controlled drugs.
“Our officers targeted areas which are known to be frequented by drug users and attended public transport hubs with the clear intent to detect and disrupt drugs suppliers.
“During the operation, there were eleven houses searched in the Portadown, Armagh, Banbridge and Lurgan areas, leading to the seizure of quantities of Class A, B and C controlled drugs, a number of mobile phones, fireworks, cash and drugs-related paraphernalia.
“All items have been sent for forensic examination.”
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B controlled substances with intent to supply, possession of Class A and B controlled substances and possession of fireworks. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
A 36-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B and C controlled substances with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. They were also bailed.
A stop and search of a vehicle led to the seizure of an amount of suspected Class C controlled drugs.
Inspector Ruston said: “We will continue to proactively investigate and carry out searches linked to the drugs trade to identify those involved in this illegal activity. We have seen how the sale, supply and consumption of illegal drugs ruins lives, devastates families and damages our communities.
“Anyone tempted to become involved in the supply or use of illegal drugs should be under no illusion; we will seek to identify them, arrest them and place them before the courts.”
