A 54 year old man has been charged after police recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of £460,000.

He has been charged with aiding and abetting the importation of a controlled drug, two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs, two counts of possession of a Class B controlled drug, two counts of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and immigration offences.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court today,  Thursday, October 31, for a first remand hearing.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit, assisted by colleagues from Border Force, seized the cannabis  following proactive searches in north Belfast and Larne yesterday.

Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: “This is a substantial seizure which illustrates that PSNI is committed to removing and disrupting the illegal supply of drugs and the harm they cause drugs which organised criminals bring to our communities.

“Drugs are a blight on our society and cause damage, not only to users, but to their families and communities.

“Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug and the most seized illegal drug in Northern Ireland.

“People should be aware that casual drug use also feeds into the coffers of the organised criminal gangs that supply illegal drugs and who use violence and intimidation to strike fear through the heart of our communities.

“We want people to consider when they hand over their money to a drug dealer, where that money goes and what it’s used for; that it’s not being invested for the good of the community.

“Instead, it’s going to merciless organised crime gangs who peddle their ill-gotten gains with no regard for society.

“We are committed to tackling the issue of drugs and I would appeal to the public to speak to us on 101 if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.