Detectives from the Organised Crime Branch investigating an international drugs trafficking operation have carried out four more searches in Northern Ireland today and arrested a 40-year old man.
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Police are continuing their war on cannabis entering Northern Ireland.[/caption]Searches were conducted in Ballynahinch, Belfast and Ballyclare. A number of items were removed from the properties and will be subjected to detailed examination. A 40-year old man was arrested in Belfast and is being questioned at a police station in the city.
Today’s searches and arrest are part of an investigation which last week saw seven people being arrested in Northern Ireland and England. Five men later appeared in court on a series of drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Police seized £800,000 worth of ‘skunk’ cannabis during searches of 14 properties last week.
PSNI, working with the National Crime Agency and the Carabinieri in Italy, are leading an investigation into the importation and distribution of cannabis throughout Northern Ireland. A total of eight people were arrested in Italy last week and 9,500 cannabis plants recovered in three searches.
Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop, from Organised Crime Branch, said: “This is a major international investigation. There will be more searches and arrests to follow. We are working to identify and apprehend all those involved in any aspect of the unlawful supply of controlled drugs. Our objective is to bring them before a court as soon as possible.”
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