Drugs operation 'smashed'

Police said the seizure would hit those involved 'hard'

Police have smashed the most sophisticated drugs smuggling operation ever uncovered in Northern Ireland, the head of the drugs squad has said.

The police are blaming a criminal gang based in south Down for smuggling cannabis worth an estimated street value of £2.75m into the country.

They do not believe there is any paramilitary connection.

Drug Squad officers, accompanied by uniformed police, made the seizure in County Down on Tuesday.

Detective Superintendant George McCauley said it would have a "significant impact" on drug trafficking in Northern Ireland.

"Certainly we are satisfied that this has caused major disruption to the serious crime gang involved," he said.

Hidden

"It is a group based in south Down and it is a very sophisticated operation.

"The cannabis was concealed in the tins, the tins were sealed, boxed, paletted and wrapped and delivered under the cover of legitimate freight.

"This will hit them hard."

More than 2,000 blocks of the drug were hidden in large tins of tomato sauce which had been imported from Spain.

The drugs were found during a search of business premises in the Annahilt area of Hillsborough.

One man has been arrested.

On Tuesday, Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force Jane Kennedy congratulated the Drug Squad on the seizure.

"The police and other law enforcement agencies remain relentless in their determination to rid society of evil drug dealers," she said.

"Drugs are dangerous, and Northern Ireland is a safer place with these drugs now out of circulation. This is another important strike against organised criminals."