A significant cannabis factory containing plants with an estimated street value of around £90,000 has been seized by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force during a planned search in Carrickfergus.
The operation was part of the ongoing investigation into criminality linked to South East Antrim UDA. The plants were discovered during a search of vacant licensed premises and two residential properties in the town.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields said the Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt the criminality linked to organised criminals who brand themselves under the convenient label of paramilitarism.
“The substantial number of cannabis plants seized demonstrates that members of South East Antrim UDA are steeped in drugs criminality. Ironically and hypocritically, the same people involved in the supply of cannabis and other drugs within the Carrickfergus community, are the very people carrying out paramilitary style attacks on drugs dealers within the area,” she said.
She said hundreds of cannabis plants have been prevented from harming people.
“Buying and using cannabis, even on a casual or recreational basis, can cause huge damage to people and communities.
“The facts are that illegal drugs can kill, they ruin lives, and they fund organised crime gangs who are responsible for intimidation and violence within 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,” added Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields.
She said removing these illegal substances from the streets is an important step in making Northern Ireland a hostile environment for those involved in drug dealing.
“We will continue to work hard to identify them, arrest them and bring them before the courts.
“I would encourage anyone with information about the sale and supply of illegal drugs or those involved in paramilitarism to get in touch with police on 101. I would like to thank all those people who have come forward to police with this information to date,” she added.
