Major Arrests Made After Drug Seizure at Northern Ireland Airports

Major Drug Seizure Operation

An "organised criminal network" suspected to be involved in moving drugs and cash in luggage on airplanes has been targeted by the PSNI, with over £2 million worth of cannabis found and a "large sum of cash". A police spokesperson said the "proactive operation", from detectives in the PSNI's specialist Organised Crime Branch, has seen an "intensification of activity" at the main airports in Northern Ireland.

Arrests and Charges

Nine men and two women have been arrested on suspicion of drugs related offences in connection with the investigation, police said in a statement on Thursday. All 11 people have since been charged and appeared before court. Detective Inspector Kelly from the Police Service's Organised Crime Branch said, "It's clear the drugs and cash seized belonged to a criminal network which we now know has a large footprint across the UK and Ireland. Some of these drugs originated in England, while others were couriered from as far afield as Thailand."