Man arrested after police intercept £260k cannabis package bound for Co Down

By Q Radio News

A 53-year-old man has been arrested after police discovered £260,000 worth of cannabis when they intercepted a package sent to an address in Co Down.   

Detectives from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch seized cannabis with an estimated street value of over £260,000 following the interception of a package destined for an address in Banbridge this morning. 

One male suspect was apprehended following a search of a property in the Banbridge area.

He has and has been taken into custody and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Over £260,000 worth of cannabis seized by detectives from the PSNI's Criminal Investigation Branch: https://t.co/0ARP958XX3 pic.twitter.com/hS6EJnG3FS

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) December 11, 2019

Detective Inspector Barry Hamilton, from the Organised Crime Unit, said the arrest follows the interception of a parcel from the postal system containing approximately £260,000 of suspected cannabis.

 “Tackling the illegal supply and use of drugs is a priority for police and seizures such as this demonstrate our ongoing commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs in our society," he added. 

“With this substantial amount of illegal drugs removed from our streets today, we continue to make Northern Ireland a hostile environment for those involved in drug dealing within our communities. We will seek to identify them, arrest them and bring them before the courts.

“Those involved in drugs criminality seek to line their own pockets at the expense of causing harm to others.  They set out to ruin the communities that they live and operate in and they do not care about the damage that they cause, preying on those who are vulnerable.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101 with any information they have.

"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.”