POLICE say they have “helped to stop criminality in its tracks” following the discovery of a cannabis factory in Kilkeel.
Plants worth an estimated £40,000 were discovered growing at a property in the town.
The plants, which police say were part of “a sophisticated and well organised operation”, were found on Monday when officers raided a house on the Harbour Road.
The find was the second within the district in recent weeks, with police also dismantling a so-called “cannabis factory” in the Newry area at the start of the month. On that occasion the haul was estimated to be around £250,000.
Speaking after this week’s raid in Kilkeel, the PSNI’s District Commander for Newry Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett, described the find as “significant” and explained locals may notice an increased police presence in the town as the investigation continues.
“At approximately 5.30pm on Monday evening, Local Policing Team officers discovered a substantial amount of plants growing across three bedrooms inside a property on the Harbour Road,” he explained.
“This was a sophisticated and well organised operation.”
Speaking yesterday afternoon, Superintendent Haslett confirmed the plants were seized, along with a number of other items – all of which will undergo forensic examination.
He continued: “Our investigation is at an early stage and our enquiries are continuing today [Tuesday] in the town – as such, you will notice an increased police presence in the area.
“This is the second significant cannabis factory in Newry, Mourne and Down that we have dismantled in as many weeks.
“Cannabis farms such as these often have links to serious and organised crime gangs.
“By shutting down this grow, we have helped to stop criminality in its tracks.”
He said police “will continue to be relentless in our commitment to tackle the illegal supply and use of drugs, and will continue to investigate those who profit from the consequent misery and harm.”
Appealing for information which may be of help, the senior officer said the supply of drugs and their misuse “is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play” and that “any information, regardless of how small you think it may seem, could potentially help make a big difference with our ongoing enquiries”.
Anyone with information in relation to this discovery is asked to call police on 101, quoting the 1172 21/10/24 reference, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
