Police arrest two men and a woman after seizing £410,000 worth of cannabis plants across Belfast

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch have dealt a massive blow to drug dealers in Belfast.

During planned searches, officers seized seized cannabis with an estimated street value of £410,000 at addresses in North, South and East Belfast.

Two men aged 23 and 48 have been arrested on suspicion of drugs trafficking offences along with a female aged 38.

All three are currently assisting police with their enquiries at Musgrave Street PSNI station.

Searches took place today and are linked to the seizure of cannabis at Greenville Road on the evening of Wednesday 30 April when suspected cannabis valued at £60,000 was discovered.

Cannabis worth an approximate £20,000 was seized from the Evelyn Avenue area today.

Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said, “I am satisfied that we have today dismantled another criminal gang suspected of involvement in organised crime of this nature.

“The discovery of such a large factory containing cannabis plants valued in excess of £330,000 in the Hughenden Avenue area of the city is a major cause for concern.

“By-passed electricity can be particularly dangerous as it can and does lead to fire.”

D/Inspector Dunlop added: “There is an onus on landlords to check their property regularly.

“Receiving cash payments from tenants should raise suspicion. Such cash payments, together with closed curtains, lack of activity and only occasional visits to a house should raise suspicion and should be reported to police.”

It understood that the plants seized were at various stages of the growing cycle.