DRUG Squad officers have arrested three people and seized £500,000 of herbal cannabis in south Belfast.

A substantial amount of cash was also recovered during the planned operation to frustrate drug dealers flooding Northern Ireland with drugs.

A 40-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested in the Donegall Quay area on suspicion of drug offences.

A 30-year-old man was arrested near Westlands Road, Portadown, on suspicion of a drugs trafficking offence.

In follow up searches, properties were searched in Carrickfergus, Portadown and Jerusalem Street in Belfast.

Det Insp Andy Dunlop, from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch said: “Police have recovered a significant quantity of suspected herbal cannabis which was destined for the streets of Northern Ireland.

“Drugs are a scourge to society and cause grief and heartache to families across Northern Ireland.”