A 23-year-old man has been arrested after over £1 million worth of suspected herbal cannabis was found in a lorry in the Larne Harbour area this morning.
The discovery was made just after 1am this morning (Tuesday 30 November).
Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), working as part of the joint agency Organised Crime Task Force, conducted the operation in Larne area in the early hours.
Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said a lorry and trailer were also seized for further examination.
The 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.
Detective Inspector Sweeney said in this year to date, over one metric tonne of herbal cannabis being brought into Northern Ireland by such a method has been seized.
“This represents a street value of over £15 million. For anyone who thinks the illegal distribution of cannabis is not a big deal, just imagine for a second the damage an organised crime group could and would cause with £15 million worth of resources at their disposal.
“I have no doubt this was destined for the streets of Northern Ireland on the run up to Christmas with the potential for unimaginable harm and the funding of wider criminality,” he said.
“Through Operation DEALBREAKER, and the multi-agency efforts of the Organised Crime Task Force, we will continue to carry out operations, to break the cycle of those who seek to cause harm through the illegal importation and supply of drugs in Northern Ireland, and to dismantle the organised criminals who profit from this incredibly harmful activity.
“I appeal to anyone with information about illegal drug use or supply, to call police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/
To anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol and/ or drugs and would like to get help please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info for information on support services near you. There is also a range of services available if you are affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse. Information on these services is also available on this website. These services are available to you regardless of whether or not your loved one is receiving help for their alcohol and/or drug problem.