A 37-year-old man has been handed a 24-month custodial sentence at Laganside Crown Court on Thursday, 4th December 2025, following a proactive police operation that led to the seizure of a large quantity of cannabis.

The defendant, Mariyan Tsvyatkov, had previously entered a guilty plea to the charge of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Pyper from the Organised Crime Branch provided details of the incident: "Police stopped a vehicle after it disembarked a ferry at the port in Belfast on 22nd November 2024. The defendant was the driver and sole occupant of the car."

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the significant discovery: "When the vehicle was searched, approximately 11kg of cannabis was located in sophisticated hide within the vehicle." The Detective Inspector affirmed the police's commitment to tackling organised crime: “This sentencing demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing those involved in organised crime to justice. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups, who bring nothing but harm to the most vulnerable within our communities.”

The PSNI reiterated the value of public assistance in such cases: "Information from the public is crucial in helping us tackle the scourge of drugs and removing those who supply drugs from our streets."

The public is encouraged to provide information directly to the police by calling 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.