Police have shut down what they say is a “sophisticated” cannabis farm in Co Down – the second in as many weeks – and seized plants worth an estimated £40,000.
PSNI officers raided the property in Kilkeel on Monday evening.
District Commander for Newry Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “At approximately 5.30pm on Monday 21 October, Local Policing Team officers discovered a substantial amount of plants growing across three bedrooms inside a property on the Harbour Road.
“This was a sophisticated and well organised operation. We estimate the street value of these drugs to be approximately £40,000.”
Superintendent Haslett added: “The plants have now been seized along with a number of other items that will undergo further forensic examination.
“Our investigation is at an early stage and our enquiries are continuing today in the town – as such, you will notice an increased police presence in the area.
“This is the second significant cannabis factory in Newry, Mourne and Down that we have dismantled in as many weeks.”
Suspected cannabis worth £250,000 was seized by police in Newry on Monday 7 October.
“Cannabis farms such as these often have links to serious and organised crime gangs. By shutting down this grow, we have helped to stop criminality in its tracks,” Superintendent Haslett said.
“We will continue to be relentless in our commitment to tackle the illegal supply and use of drugs, and will continue to investigate those who profit from the consequent misery and harm.
“Drug supply and misuse is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play.
“I am appealing to members of the public who may have any information which could be of assistance to us to contact police on 101.”
He added: “Any information, regardless of how small you think it may seem, could potentially help make a big difference with our ongoing enquiries.”
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News Catch Up: Tuesday 22nd October