Suspected Class A drugs disguised as a sweet resembling a popular children's TV character have been discovered by officers on patrol in Newry.

While following up on a male suspected to have connections to the growth of cannabis, members of the District Support Team found the drugs on Monday 12 August.

The substance had been shaped and pressed into the shape of the children's TV character SpongeBob Square Pants.

Writing on the PSNI Newry & Mourne Facebook page, an officer explained: "One of the team had been on the lookout for a male for several months in relation to the growth of cannabis and several cannabis factories located during police searches.

"By chance the officer noticed the suspect's car outside a house and the enquiries began!!!

"Police entered the address and spoke to five occupants to ascertain the whereabouts of the wanted male. He decided a fake ID document and a snazzy new pair of glasses would maybe hide his known face… oh how wrong he was!"

It was during that operation that the drugs were discovered. The officer continued: "Let that sink in…

"A Class A controlled drug, dressed up as a sweet, using a children's cartoon character.

"It should be no surprise how angry and upsetting this is to a parent, that these drugs are so easily available and blatantly disguised in the form of sweets."

Further items also believed to be Class A drugs were seized, while the five occupants of the house were taken into custody for questioning. One of the males is believed to be under pending enquiries in another country.

"We take all drug offences seriously, especially those so recklessly disguised as sweets," the officer added.



(JG/CM)