A suspected drugs baron at the centre of a major investigation in Northern Ireland is a former police officer, it emerged today.

Assets which include nearly 50 properties have been frozen as part of a major investigation into the affairs of an alleged Northern Ireland-based drugs dealer, it was revealed today.

AN ALLEGED Northern Ireland-based drugs dealer, who owns an apartment in Dublin and companies here, has had assets and 50 properties worth over €7 million frozen as part of a major investigation.