Cannabis worth £320k seized in drug busts in Bangor and Magherafelt

A man has been arrested after the busts, stated the PSNI, with a spokeswoman confirming cannabis plants were found in searches of properties in the Co Down seaside city and Co Londonderry town.

The arrested man, stated to have been cuffed in the Magherafelt area, is being held on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and dishonestly extracting electricity. As of shortly before 9pm tonight, he was stated to be in police custody, interviewed by detectives.

The PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch was said to be behind the raids, assisted by colleagues from the force’s Operational Support Department.

Detective Inspector Kelly from the Organised Crime Branch urged landlords to carry out regular checks to make sure their properties can’t be used as cannabis factories.

Said the officer: “Drug suppliers exploit people to prop up their own lifestyle. They have scant regard for those people impacted by their criminality and are only motivated by money.

“As a service, we are continually conducting investigations to detect and prevent drug related criminality.

“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.

“I would also urge people renting out properties to conduct regular checks to deter criminals from conducting this criminality and report any suspicions to police.”