Man questioned over major cannabis haul

Drug squad officers were today questioning a man about one of the biggest cannabis seizures ever in Northern Ireland.

Nearly 300 kilos were found inside a white Transit van stopped by police in north Belfast.

Detectives believe the consignment of cannabis resin was worth £1.5m (€2.1m) on the streets.

One man was arrested during the operation at Fort William roundabout just before 11am today.

Police could not confirm if any paramilitaries were suspected of transporting the drugs.

The capture represented their largest success since a £2.75m (€3.9m) confiscation in Annahilt, Co Down in January.

One man was charged over that haul, which police chiefs believe was linked to a crime gang.

Other major seizures, including a £2.5m (€3.6m) shipment seized in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim in August last year, have been blamed on loyalist terrorists.