£1 million pounds worth of cannabis seized in Belfast

Herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of almost £1 million has been seized in Belfast by police targeting a Triad-linked crime gang.

PSNI detectives intercepted 110lb (50kg) of the illegal drug during a proactive operation on Wednesday.

Four men, aged 38, 29, 29 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of offences related to the supply of the drug. They were taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in the city centre for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said officers searched two properties in the Shore Road and Springfield Road areas.

Two vehicles were stopped on the M2 near the Moneynick junction.

Mr Singleton said two men were arrested in the Shore Road property on suspicion of the importation and supply of drugs.

A further two were arrested in a vehicle on the motorway on suspicion of supply of these drugs and a number of immigration offences.

The senior officer added: "This is another significant haul of drugs, which is linked to our previous successes against a South East Asian organised crime gang operating in Northern Ireland.

"We believe this organised crime gang is Triad-linked."

He said gangs like this group make huge amounts of money from the illegal trade.

"Some people think that buying and using cannabis is harmless - that's simply not the case.

"Use of cannabis itself can damage your physical and mental health. Cannabis remains the most used drug by persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug addiction.

"The money people spend on it promotes and encourages the growth of these gangs who not only use violence and intimidation to maintain their control in our communities but are also involved in other organised crime like human trafficking."

BREAKING: Around £1 million pounds worth of herbal cannabis has been seized by the PSNI as part of an ongoing investigation into a South East Asian organised crime gang in Belfast. Four men have been arrested. pic.twitter.com/LBkgq61wpq

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 10 January 2019

Mr. Singleton said:

“Yesterday detectives from PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit, assisted by their colleagues across PSNI, searched two properties in the Shore Road area of North Belfast and the Springfield Road area of West Belfast as part of a proactive operation into the supply of illegal drugs. Two vehicles were also stopped on the M2 heading North Bound, near the Moneynick junction.

“Two men were arrested in the property on the Shore Road area on suspicion of the importation and supply of these drugs. A further two men were arrested in a vehicle on the M2 on suspicion of supply of these drugs and a number of immigration offences.The net result of these interventions was the recovery of Herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of just under £1 million’

“This is another significant haul of drugs, which is linked to our previous successes against a South East Asian Organised Crime Gang operating in Northern Ireland.  We believe this organised crime gang is Triad linked.

“Whilst there will continue to be debate within society on the legalisation of cannabis it remains a controlled drug and is illegal to possess. Organised crime gangs like this group make huge amounts of money from its illegal trade. Some people think thatbuying and using cannabis is harmless that’s simply not the case. Use of cannabis itself can damage your physical and mental health. Cannabis remains the most used drug by persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug addiction. The money people spend on it promotes and encourages the growth of these gangs who not only use violence and intimidation to maintain their control in our communities but are also involved in other organised crime like human trafficiking .

“We will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs. Drug dealers are parasites who don’t care about their communities and profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs. I would appeal to the public to contact police if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area by calling 101. 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.”