A PSNI officer has been seriously injured in an intense operation targeting an organised criminal network, which has led to more than £2m worth of cannabis and a large sum of money being found in suitcases at NI’s main airports.
Detectives from Organised Crime Branch conducted “an intensification of activity” as part of a proactive operation specifically targeting criminals suspected of moving drugs and cash within luggage on aeroplanes.
The officer, who was injured while making one of 11 arrests, is currently receiving ongoing medical attention.
Over the last few months cannabis with a potential street value of over £2m has been seized with nine men and two women arrested on suspicion of drugs-related offences.
They were subsequently charged and have all subsequently appeared in court.
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PSNI Detective Inspector Kelly said: “It’s clear the drugs and cash seized belonged to a criminal network which we now know has a large footprint across the UK and Ireland.”
“Some of these drugs originated in England, while others were couriered from as far afield as Thailand,” they added.
“These drugs were destined for multiple criminal groups supplying onto the streets of Northern Ireland. Some of those arrested had onward travel booked to Dublin in an attempt to peddle their wares there.
“Our investigations are continuing into this wider criminal network, and without doubt, there will be exploitation of individuals, whether in the production, supply or consumption of drugs.”
Drugs worth over £2m and large sums of cash seized at NI’s main airports as PSNI target organised crime network.
DI Kelly warned there is no such thing as harmless drugs while pointing out that “someone, somewhere in this process, is likely to have suffered” at the hands of criminals who are “relentless in their pursuit of money”.
“We, however, are equally as relentless in our pursuit of those involved, as demonstrated by the seizures and arrests made to date,” they added.
“Unfortunately an officer involved in this investigation sustained a serious injury effecting an arrest of a suspect who attempted to make off from police.
“The officer is currently receiving ongoing medical attention.
“We, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to actively target those responsible. We also, however, rely upon information from the public.
“With your help, we can focus our efforts on identifying those who make their living by bringing drugs into and onto our streets and neighbourhoods.”