Around 2 million pounds of herbal cannabis seized by police in Belfast

100 kilos of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of around 2-million-pounds has been seized by police in Belfast.

5 people were arrested following 7 different searches in the city yesterday.

Four men aged 59, 46, 39 and 28 and a 34 year old female were arrested in the South and East Belfast areas in relation to the supply of these drugs and a number of immigration offences.

It's believed a Chinese organised crime group are behind the misconduct. 

The suspects were questioned at Musgrave Serious Crime suite and currently remain in custody.

WATCH: Detectives from PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit carried out a number of searches across Belfast yesterday. Detective Superintendent Robert Singleton says a significant quantity of drugs was seized in the operation. pic.twitter.com/K8HbX7StuW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 30, 2018

Commenting on the operation, Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said: “Yesterday detectives from PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit, assisted by local police officers and colleagues from Immigration and Enforcement, carried out searches at seven addresses across Belfast. As a result of this operation cannabis with a potential street value of £2 million was seized. 

“This is a significant haul and demonstrates our commitment to removing dangerous drugs from our communities. We are following several lines of enquiry, one is a potential link to a Triad organised crime gang and another is potential links to paramilitary groups.

“As we approach the festive party season I want people to think about where their money is going before they hand over cash for recreational drugs.

“Many people who spend money on a casual transaction at the weekend think that it isn’t harming anyone else; the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only is it illegal to purchase these drugs but it fuels the local drug trade which brings causes irreparable damage and loss to many families and individuals whose lives it destroys.

When you hand over money for a small amount of drugs at the weekend, this contributes to the violence and intimidation inflicted by merciless crime gangs. It can go towards buying a gun used in an attack against someone who has a drug debt; or a get-away car used in a crime.

“We will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs. Drug dealers are parasites who don’t care about their communities. I would appeal to the public to contact police if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area by calling 101. 

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.”