Man charged after £460,000 cannabis seizure in Larne and north Belfast

Q Radio news

A man has been charged on suspicion of a number of drug offences and immigration offences following a major drug bust in Larne and north Belfast. 

Suspected cannabis with a street value of around £460,000 and a vehicle was seized following searches carried out yesterday, Wednesday 30th October. 

The operation was carried out by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit assisted by colleagues from Border Force, resulting in the arrest of two people. 

The 54-year-old suspect is charged with aiding and abetting the importation of a controlled drug, two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs, two counts of possession of a Class B controlled drug, two counts of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and immigration offences.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court today, Thursday 31st October.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

Meanwhile, a 44-year-old woman arrested as part of the investigation has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Speaking following the arrests, Detective Inspector Peter Mullan said: “This is a substantial seizure which illustrates that PSNI is committed to removing and disrupting the illegal supply of drugs and the harm they cause drugs which organised criminals bring to our communities.

"Drugs are a blight on our society and cause damage, not only to users, but to their families and communities.

“Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug and the most seized illegal drug in Northern Ireland.

"People should be aware that casual drug use also feeds into the coffers of the organised criminal gangs that supply illegal drugs and who use violence and intimidation to strike fear through the heart of our communities.

“We want people to consider when they hand over their money to a drug dealer, where that money goes and what it’s used for; that it’s not being invested for the good of the community. Instead, it’s going to merciless organised crime gangs who peddle their ill-gotten gains with no regard for society."