A follow-up search of a lorry found with drugs worth £1.8 million on board has revealed a further stash, police say.
The PSNI says Class B drugs worth around £1.14 million were discovered “concealed within the frame of the trailer”.
The second find, they say, means they have pulled drugs worth almost £3million from the vehicle.
Details of the finds emerged as detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit revealed the extent of an operation at Belfast Harbour.
Police, working with other agencies involved in the Organised Crime Task Force, carried out a search along with HM Revenue & Customs and Belfast Harbour Police.
During the first stop and search, in the early hours of Saturday February 12, Class A and B drugs, with an estimated street value of approximately £1.8 million, were recovered from a van inside the trailer.
Additional searches, they said today, have now revealed an additional quantity of Class B drugs with an estimated value of around £1.14 million “concealed within the frame of the trailer”.
Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said: “From this one lorry, we have recovered drugs with a combined value of almost £3 million. This is one of our largest single seizures.
“Every year, organised crime gangs try to smuggle illicit drugs into the country via our ports, and this is one of numerous similar interceptions as part of Operation Fusion targeting criminality of this nature.
“Through the concerted and targeted efforts of our detectives, alongside key law enforcement partners on the Organised Crime Task Force, we will continue to carry out operations to break the cycle of those who cause harm through the illegal importation and supply of drugs in Northern Ireland.
“This is just one example of this invaluable collaborative work, bringing the total street value of seizures, over a 14-month period, to almost £20 million.
“We remain committed to to tackling the supply, use and harm caused by illegal drugs in Northern Ireland. The very simple reality is that drugs ruin lives and damage our communities. These criminals line their own pockets and live lavish lifestyles at the expense of others, leaving families and loved ones to deal with the inevitable devastation.
“I’m appealing to anyone with information, or concerns, about the illegal supply or use of drugs to contact us on 101.”
The police say information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
