PSNI, HMRC and National Crime Agency seize £200k in Operation Lockstream
The PSNI has taken part in a nationwide operation to disrupt organised crime use of road, rail and port networks – leading to the seizure of almost £200,000 in cash.
Detectives from the Organised Crime Branch, working in conjunction with colleagues from HMRC, and the National Crime Agency carried out a number of intelligence-led proactive activities as part of Operation Lockstream.
From 25-27 August, officers targeted criminal haulier networks who exploit the Common Travel Area for their own financial gain.
Six commercial premises in the Fermanagh area were searched and hundreds of people and vehicles were engaged with. One person was reported for driving offences and HMRC colleagues seized suspected illicit fuel.
From 21-27 September officers engaged with over 400 people and searched 141 vehicles across Northern Ireland. One man, aged 19, was arrested in Belfast for illegal entry into the UK.
A man aged 36 was arrested after more than £170k in cash was found hidden inside a vehicle in Belfast. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on 25 September charged with possession of criminal property.
On 30 September, officers searched two properties in Cushendall area and seized almost £50,000 in cash, alongside 35kg of rolling tobacco, 2,400 cigarettes and five mobile phones. Additional searches took place in the Newry area on 19 October.