Three arrested after discovery of cannabis factory in Co Tyrone

It was centred around a property in the Kinturk Road area of Cookstown late on Friday.

A police spokesperson said officers received a report that four men had caused criminal damage at a residential property at around 9.45pm .

"On attendance, they noted all windows at the property - which was unoccupied at the time - had been smashed and taps had been left running, leading to water damage throughout," they said.

"When officers entered the property, they located cannabis plants with an approximate value of £50,000, spread over a number of rooms.

"We immediately identified three persons of interest and on Saturday evening, 6th December, they were stopped in a vehicle travelling on the M2.

"The vehicle was seized and three men - aged 33, 36 and 37 - were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, possession of class B controlled drugs with intent to supply and possession of class B controlled drugs.

"They remain in custody at this time."

The police spokesperson added: "A substantial quantity of drugs has now been prevented from reaching our streets and what appears to be a well-organised operation has been dismantled.

"Targeting drugs supply is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"Our investigation into this discovery is ongoing and I would ask any member of the public who has any information which could be of assistance to police to contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1459 05/12/25."