TWO people were arrested after cops smashed a cannabis factory in a sleepy Co Antrim town.

Plants worth an estimated £18,000 were seized along with a firearm from a property in the Castletown Road in Ballyclare area.

The operation was carried out by detectives from PSNI Organised Crime Branch, working in partnership with local police in Larne, yesterday, Friday, November 3. 

Detective Inspector Keith Gawley said: “A 66 year old man and a 48 year old woman have been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug and cultivating cannabis.

“Proactive search operations such as this one demonstrate our ongoing focus in tackling the scourge of drugs. Information can be given to police by calling 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The couple have now been released pending further inquiries.