03/07/2025
Police Dismantle Major Suspected Cannabis Operation in Strabane
Police in the North West have dismantled what is believed to be one of the largest suspected cannabis operations in the region in recent years.
During a planned search operation in the Strabane area on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, suspected cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.4 million were seized. Searches related to the operation are still ongoing, and paraphernalia connected to drugs cultivation and supply has also been confiscated.
The operation was led by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Organised Crime Branch, who are investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), a proscribed paramilitary organisation. Officers from Derry City and Strabane District, along with Tactical Support Group officers, police dog handlers, and police dogs, were also involved in the extensive action.
Two arrests have been made in connection with the discovery, and both individuals remain in custody as enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Pyper from the Organised Crime Branch described the scale of the find: "We have dismantled a large, sophisticated suspected cannabis operation with row after row of suspected cannabis plants that filled two floors of the building."
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, Derry City & Strabane Area Commander, highlighted the broader impact of such criminal activity: "Drugs cause misery in our communities, we have seen that far too often. We have also seen how large-scale drug operations are linked to organised crime gangs who will do anything to make money with no care for the harm they cause in our communities. This has been a significant operation and reflects the Police Service's commitment to targeting drugs supply in Northern Ireland."
Police are appealing to the public for any information about suspected drugs activity in their area. Members of the community can contact the non-emergency number 101, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports can also be submitted online using the PSNI's non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
During a planned search operation in the Strabane area on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, suspected cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.4 million were seized. Searches related to the operation are still ongoing, and paraphernalia connected to drugs cultivation and supply has also been confiscated.
The operation was led by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Organised Crime Branch, who are investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), a proscribed paramilitary organisation. Officers from Derry City and Strabane District, along with Tactical Support Group officers, police dog handlers, and police dogs, were also involved in the extensive action.
Two arrests have been made in connection with the discovery, and both individuals remain in custody as enquiries continue.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, Derry City & Strabane Area Commander, highlighted the broader impact of such criminal activity: "Drugs cause misery in our communities, we have seen that far too often. We have also seen how large-scale drug operations are linked to organised crime gangs who will do anything to make money with no care for the harm they cause in our communities. This has been a significant operation and reflects the Police Service's commitment to targeting drugs supply in Northern Ireland."
Police are appealing to the public for any information about suspected drugs activity in their area. Members of the community can contact the non-emergency number 101, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports can also be submitted online using the PSNI's non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
Latest Northern Ireland News
04 July 2025
Fallen Police Officers And Firefighters Honoured With Elizabeth Emblem
Thirty police officers and two firefighters from Northern Ireland have been posthumously honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem, a new commemorative award recognising those who lost their lives while undertaking public service. This significant recognition highlights the profound sacrifice made by individuals across key public services.
Fallen Police Officers And Firefighters Honoured With Elizabeth Emblem
Thirty police officers and two firefighters from Northern Ireland have been posthumously honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem, a new commemorative award recognising those who lost their lives while undertaking public service. This significant recognition highlights the profound sacrifice made by individuals across key public services.
04 July 2025
RNLI Lifeguards Commence Full-Time Beach Patrols
RNLI lifeguards have now transitioned to their full-time operational schedule, patrolling a total of 11 beaches along the Causeway Coast and in County Down. These patrols will run daily from 10:00 to 18:00 until Saturday, 31 August 2025, marking the kick-off of the peak summer season for beach safety.
RNLI Lifeguards Commence Full-Time Beach Patrols
RNLI lifeguards have now transitioned to their full-time operational schedule, patrolling a total of 11 beaches along the Causeway Coast and in County Down. These patrols will run daily from 10:00 to 18:00 until Saturday, 31 August 2025, marking the kick-off of the peak summer season for beach safety.
04 July 2025
Kimmins Urges 'Honest Conversations' To Tackle Road Deaths
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has stressed the critical importance of both partnership working and individual accountability in curbing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland's roads. Her remarks followed a recent meeting with members of the Road Safety Strategic Forum at Newry Fire Station.
Kimmins Urges 'Honest Conversations' To Tackle Road Deaths
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has stressed the critical importance of both partnership working and individual accountability in curbing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland's roads. Her remarks followed a recent meeting with members of the Road Safety Strategic Forum at Newry Fire Station.
04 July 2025
Fatal Ballymoney Fire Now Being Treated As Murder
A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team following the death of a man in Ballymoney earlier this week. 55-year-old Patrick 'Paddy' Douglas died after a house fire in the Main Street area of the town on Tuesday morning, 1 July 2025.
Fatal Ballymoney Fire Now Being Treated As Murder
A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team following the death of a man in Ballymoney earlier this week. 55-year-old Patrick 'Paddy' Douglas died after a house fire in the Main Street area of the town on Tuesday morning, 1 July 2025.
04 July 2025
Man Jailed For Over Six Years For 'Terrifying' Domestic Abuse
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has welcomed the sentence handed down to 45-year-old Stephen McLaughlin from Limavady, who appeared before Londonderry Crown Court yesterday, Thursday, 3 July 2025, for domestic abuse crimes. McLaughlin was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment.
Man Jailed For Over Six Years For 'Terrifying' Domestic Abuse
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has welcomed the sentence handed down to 45-year-old Stephen McLaughlin from Limavady, who appeared before Londonderry Crown Court yesterday, Thursday, 3 July 2025, for domestic abuse crimes. McLaughlin was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment.
04 July 2025
Health Minister Welcomes New Regional Breast Assessment Centre
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has visited Northern Ireland's new regional breast assessment booking centre, just weeks after launching this significant reform initiative.
Health Minister Welcomes New Regional Breast Assessment Centre
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has visited Northern Ireland's new regional breast assessment booking centre, just weeks after launching this significant reform initiative.
04 July 2025
NI 'Out Of Step' In Child Protection Legislation
Alliance MLA Michelle Guy has voiced her concerns that Northern Ireland lags behind other regions when it comes to the legal protection of children from physical assault.
NI 'Out Of Step' In Child Protection Legislation
Alliance MLA Michelle Guy has voiced her concerns that Northern Ireland lags behind other regions when it comes to the legal protection of children from physical assault.
04 July 2025
Boost Insulation, Cut Bills – How Modern Windows And Doors Help Family Savings
Why Insulation Matters More Than Ever Energy prices in Northern Ireland have surged over recent years, putting extra pressure on household budgets. With our long, damp winters, it's more important than ever to keep homes warm and dry without skyrocketing bills.
Boost Insulation, Cut Bills – How Modern Windows And Doors Help Family Savings
Why Insulation Matters More Than Ever Energy prices in Northern Ireland have surged over recent years, putting extra pressure on household budgets. With our long, damp winters, it's more important than ever to keep homes warm and dry without skyrocketing bills.
04 July 2025
Other News In Brief
Concerns Raised Over Irish Language Strategy Delay Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has criticised the Communities Minister for failing to provide a timeline for delivering an Irish language strategy, despite the Minister having been in office for 17 months.
Other News In Brief
Concerns Raised Over Irish Language Strategy Delay Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has criticised the Communities Minister for failing to provide a timeline for delivering an Irish language strategy, despite the Minister having been in office for 17 months.
03 July 2025
Latest Statistics Show High Public Confidence In PSNI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the findings of a new survey revealing that public confidence in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) remains consistently high.
Latest Statistics Show High Public Confidence In PSNI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the findings of a new survey revealing that public confidence in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) remains consistently high.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.