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‘£200,000 drugs factory’

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Police and forensic experts at the scene of an alleged cannabis factory in Antrim yesterday (Monday). It is understood around £200,000 worth of the drug was recovered from the premises last weekend.

Neighbours looked on in disbelief as a huge police operation swooped in on an alleged cannabis factory in Antrim last weekend.
Up to 20 officers were involved in the raid on Saturday, January 28 at a house on the Belfast Road.
Cannabis plants worth in excess on £200,000 were allegedly uncovered, in addition to 'cultivating equipment and other drug paraphernalia'.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court yesterday (January 30).
The defendant, who is believed to be Chinese, faces a number of charges including possession of cannabis, cultivating cannabis and dishonestly using electricity.
The case was adjourned to Antrim Magistrates' Court until next Tuesday (February 7) via videolink for a possible bail application.
Speaking after the drugs haul, Area Commander Chief Inspector Natalie Wilson said: "We remain totally committed to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs.
“We are working to disrupt the activities of the gangs involved in their sale and supply, limit the amount of misery they are able to inflict on communities and ultimately put them behind bars."
Yesterday (Monday) officers and forensic experts remained at the scene, clearing the contents of the house and remaining items for further examination.
Antrim town councillor Adrian Watson, who lives nearby, said he was 'astonished' that cannabis was allegedly being produced 'right under the public's nose'.
He told the Antrim Guardian: "The house, which I think is a rented property, is only a matter of doors down from me and no-one suspected a thing.
“The suspicion that such a large amount of drugs are now off the streets must be welcomed."
He added: "The Belfast Road is a quiet, settled residential area with a lot of traffic and footfall passing.
“It just goes to show that this kind of thing can take place anywhere and the PSNI must be commended for their commitment to stamping out drugs in this Borough."

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