Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch have carried out searches of five addresses and arrested five men in a coordinated day of action on Wednesday, 13 August.

The five males, aged 33, 34, 38, 41, and 43, were arrested for a variety of offences, including the cultivation of cannabis, and all remain in custody at this time. Four cannabis cultivations were located and dismantled in properties in Templepatrick, Coleraine, Tandragee, and Lurgan, with a fifth property searched in Newry. Detective Inspector Kelly, from the Police Service's Organised Crime Branch, said: "Each location was expertly set up containing rooms full of plants at various stages of growth. Clearly there was a conveyor belt supply of drugs being produced, with regular harvests across the properties, which would likely be sold on to other criminal gangs."

The drugs recovered have a potential street value of approximately £500,000. In addition to the arrests, four vehicles have also been seized by detectives. Detective Inspector Kelly added that organised crime gangs fund their activities at the expense of others and appealed for anyone with information on drug supply to contact police on 101.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org