Suspected cannabis operation linked to INLA, police say

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Police say they have dismantled a significant suspected cannabis operation linked to the INLA in the Strabane area.

Following a planned search, cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.4 million were seized.

Police said paraphernalia connected to drug cultivation and supply have also been seized.

The operation on Wednesday was led by detectives from the Organised Crime Branch who are investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the INLA.

Police have dismantled what is believed to be one of the biggest suspected cannabis operations in the North West in recent years. This follows a planned search operation in the Strabane area. Read more here: https://t.co/oxDO0mLjdV pic.twitter.com/2a6jBj4sPU

— Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) July 2, 2025

Officers from Derry City and Strabane, alongside tactical support group officers, police dog handlers and police dogs were involved.

Two arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for the Organised Crime Branch said: “We have dismantled a large, sophisticated suspected cannabis operation with row after row of suspected cannabis plants that filled two floors of the building.

“Our appeal is to anyone with information about suspected drug activity in your area, call us on the non-emergency number 101, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Derry city and Strabane area commander Chief Superintendent 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.”