Three drug arrests were made in Co Down over the weekend after a car was stopped containing a large amount of cocaine and money as well as the discovery of a cannabis factory in Rathfriland.
Around 8.35am on Saturday, police stopped a Black Seat Leon on the A1 Southbound between Hillsborough and Dromore.
Around £250,000 in cash and suspected cocaine worth an estimated £100,000 was seized, and follow up searches at two houses in west Belfast also led to the recovery of more money and quantities of cocaine.
A 24-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on the A1 on suspicion of possessing criminal property and possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.
Both remain in police custody.
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A man is also due in court on Monday following the discovery of the cannabis factory in Rathfriland on Friday, where police seized over 400 plants worth an estimated £200,000.
The 39-year-old was arrested following a search and has since been charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.
Police searching the property had also seized a number of other items including phones.
Commenting on the cocaine seizure, a police spokesperson said: “Drugs harm our communities and cause misery to those addicted to them and their wider family circle. We will work with the public and our partner agencies to seize illegal drugs and prosecute those responsible.
“I have no doubt today’s seizure of a significant amount of cash will hit the organised criminals involved where it hurts; it is clear that these organised crime groups care about one thing and one thing only – money. They are totally unconcerned with the damage they cause and the lives they destroy.”
On the cannabis factory discovery, Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander Superintendent. Norman Haslett, added: “Targeting drugs supply is a priority for Newry, Mourne and Down district police.
“Our officers are committed to tackling the scourge of illicit drugs, and will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm they cause our community.
“Our investigation into this incident 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 1820 of January 5.”
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Our officers have charged a man to court following the seizure of suspected cannabis plants in the Rathfriland area on Friday. pic.twitter.com/DCAhLDGhWO
— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) January 7, 2024
