£1.8m NI drug haul came from Morocco, says PSNI

A massive drug consignment seized by police in Northern Ireland was shipped in from north Africa, it has been revealed.

PSNI chiefs linked the haul of cannabis and amphetamines worth £1.8m (€2.6m) on the streets to an organised crime gang.

Security sources revealed the drugs – the third largest of its kind ever found in Northern Ireland – may have originated in Morocco.

The commanding officer in the area insisted the swoop was a major breakthrough in the war against traffickers and dealers operating throughout the North.

Superintendent Terry Shevlin said: “This was not all destined for Ballymena, it would have been redistributed further than that.

“The impact of this is very significant.”

The drugs were found yesterday during a planned search of premises in Glarryford on the outskirts of the town.

A 48-year-old man arrested in connection with the seizure is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates court tomorrow charged with six offences, including possession with intent to supply.