Detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), working as part of the joint agency Organised Crime Task Force, conducted an operation in the Larne area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, November 30.

Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said: “Detectives, working alongside Larne Local Policing Team and our colleagues from HMRC, stopped a lorry in the Larne Harbour area just after 1am on Tuesday morning.

“A large quantity of suspected herbal cannabis, with an estimated street value in excess of £1 million, was seized from the vehicle during the proactive operation.

“The lorry and trailer have also been seized for further examination.

“A 23 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply. 

“He remains in police custody at this time.”

Detective Inspector Sweeney added: “This search, seizure and arrest was conducted as part of the multi-agency approach to target criminality within the haulage industry.

“It is also part of our ongoing commitment to address the criminality linked to drug importation, supply and use that often results in drug debts, drug addiction and drug related deaths within our communities. In this year to date, we have seized over one metric tonne of herbal cannabis being brought into Northern Ireland by such method.

“This represents a street value of over £15 million.

“For anyone who thinks the illegal distribution of cannabis is not a big deal, just imagine for a second the damage an organised crime group could and would cause with £15 million worth of resources at their disposal.

“I have no doubt this was destined for the streets of Northern Ireland on the run up to Christmas with the potential for unimaginable harm and the funding of wider criminality.

“Through Operation DEALBREAKER, and the multi-agency efforts of the Organised Crime Task Force,  we will continue to carry out operations, to break the cycle of those who seek to cause harm through the illegal importation and supply of drugs in Northern Ireland, and to dismantle the organised criminals who profit from this incredibly harmful activity.

“I appeal to anyone with information about illegal drug use or supply, to call police on the non-emergency number 101. 

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .

“The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ .”