Sixteen arrested after nine cannabis factories uncovered across the North

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Sixteen people have been arrested after police uncovered nine cannabis factories across Northern Ireland.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said it came during proactive searches by detectives from the Organised Crime Branch in counties Armagh, Tyrone, and Fermanagh on Tuesday and Wednesday.

They said cannabis plants with an estimated street value of about £1.1 million (€1.23 million) were seized.

“Nine grow houses were located across a number of towns and villages within Counties Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh – namely Armagh, Newtownhamilton, Keady, Killylea, Coalisland, Aughnacloy, Omagh, and Clabby,” they said.

“During the searches, cannabis plants with a collective estimated street value of approximately £1.1 million were seized.”

Of the 16 arrests, 14 men were detained on suspicion of drug-related offences as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected cannabis cultivation and associated criminality.

The other two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency.

Thirteen remained in custody on Wednesday afternoon, while two were released on bail and one released unconditionally.

The police spokesperson said most of the properties searched were in rural locations, with many of the structures significant in size and sophistication, and would have involved considerable planning, investment and time.

“Illegal grow operations, of such complexity, are without doubt generating profits for criminal networks,” they added.

“Organised crime groups who exploit others, in this case through the supply of drugs, have one aim only and that’s to line their own pockets.

“Sadly, this often comes at the expense of vulnerable people.

“The investigation is extremely significant in terms of the number of constructions identified, the subsequent number of arrests and the volume of seizures.

“By identifying and shutting down the grow houses, and by making arrests, we’re helping to stop criminality in its tracks. Our investigation will, however, continue beyond today’s arrests.

“We, as a police service, will continue to identify and investigate those who make their living from crime, and we remain grateful for your support. I’m keen to take this opportunity to encourage anyone with information, or indeed concerns, to contact us on 101.”