Police have seized a quantity of suspected cannabis plants from a property in Kilkeel
Police have seized a quantity of suspected cannabis plants in Kilkeel.
Chris Hazzard, South Down Sinn Féin MP, has welcomed the seizure saying drugs are a blight on our communities.
District Commander for Newry Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett, said: “At approximately 5.30pm on Monday evening, 21st October Local Policing Team officers discovered a substantial amount of plants growing across three bedrooms inside a property on the Harbour Road.
“This was a sophisticated and well organised operation. We estimate the street value of these drugs to be approximately £40,000.
“The plants have now been seized along with a number of other items that will undergo further forensic examination.
“Our investigation is at an early stage and our enquiries are continuing today in the town – as such, you will notice an increased police presence in the area.
“This is the second significant cannabis factory in Newry, Mourne and Down that we have dismantled in as many weeks.
“On Monday, 7th October we located suspected cannabis worth £250,000 in Newry.
“Cannabis farms such as these often have links to serious and organised crime gangs. By shutting down this grow, we have helped to stop criminality in its tracks.
“We will continue to be relentless in our commitment to tackle the illegal supply and use of drugs, and will continue to investigate those who profit from the consequent misery and harm.
“Drug supply and misuse is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play.
“I am appealing to members of the public who may have any information which could be of assistance to us to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1172 21/10/24.
“Any information, regardless of how small you think it may seem, could potentially help make a big difference with our ongoing enquiries.”
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.
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Hazzard welcomes seizure of drugs in South Down
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the seizure of over £40,000 worth of suspected cannabis plants from a property in Kilkeel.
The South Down MP said: “I welcome the second significant seizure of drugs in our local council area in just over two weeks.
“This will take unlawful drugs off our streets and will guarantee they will not find their way into an illegal supply chain.
“Drugs and the associated criminality are a blight on all our communities and have destroyed many lives.
“I would encourage anyone with information on the supply of illegal drugs to bring it forward to the police.”
