Two arrested after estimated £1.4m cannabis plants seized

Two people have been arrested after police seized suspected cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.4m in the Strabane area.

The seizure was made during a planned search operation on Wednesday.

Following the seizure, police said they have dismantled what is believed to be one of the biggest suspected cannabis operations in the north west in recent years.

The two people who were arrested remain in custody.

Searches remain ongoing and paraphernalia connected to drugs cultivation and supply have also been seized.

The operation was carried out by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch, who are investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the INLA.

“We have dismantled a large, sophisticated suspected cannabis operation with row after row of suspected cannabis plants that filled two floors of the building,” Det Insp Pyper said.

Derry City & Strabane Commander, Ch Sup Gillian Kearney said: “Drugs cause misery in our communities, we have seen that far too often. We have also seen how large-scale drug operations are linked to organised crime gangs who will do anything to make money with no care for the harm they cause in our communities.

“This has been a significant operation and reflects the Police Service’s commitment to targeting drugs supply in Northern Ireland.”