The PSNI are appealing for public assistance after a cannabis factory was discovered inside a property in the Newry area.

The discovery followed a fire at a house in the Thomas Street area of Bessbrook on Sunday, 18 January.

Police received reports of the blaze at approximately 4.25pm. Officers attended the location alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the fire. Upon inspection, fire crews alerted police to a significant quantity of cannabis and related growing equipment found within the building. The property was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. While the fire itself is not being treated as suspicious by investigators at this stage, enquiries into the drug cultivation remain ongoing.

Inspector Walker reassured the local community that the scene has been made safe and that there was no ongoing risk to the public. He emphasised that disrupting the supply of illegal drugs remains a core priority for the service.

"Targeting the supply of drugs is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and we would appeal to anyone who has any information which could be of assistance to contact our non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 870 of 18/01/25," Inspector Walker stated.

Alternatively, information can be provided online through the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.