10/02/2026
Police Seize £40,000 Cannabis Haul in Bessbrook
Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis factory in Bessbrook, leading to the seizure of plants with an estimated street value of £40,000.
The discovery was made on Sunday, 8 February, after officers responded to a report concerning a property in the Ard Aveen Park area. Upon entering the premises, police located a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Work is currently underway to dismantle the operation, with all recovered plants scheduled for destruction.
Sergeant Gavin Grady commented on the find: "This cannabis grow is now being dismantled and the plants within, which represent a significant quantity of street drugs, will be removed and destroyed. Targeting drugs supply is a priority for local police and our officers are always on the lookout for any potential criminal activity. Information from our communities is critical and we continue to ask anyone who has knowledge of drugs activity or who suspects cannabis cultivation may be taking place in their neighbourhood, to please bring that information to us and we will act upon it."
The PSNI has reiterated that community intelligence remains a vital tool in disrupting the local drug trade. They have encouraged anyone with suspicions regarding similar criminal activity to come forward.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or submitted via the online reporting form on the PSNI website. Alternatively, individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The discovery was made on Sunday, 8 February, after officers responded to a report concerning a property in the Ard Aveen Park area. Upon entering the premises, police located a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Work is currently underway to dismantle the operation, with all recovered plants scheduled for destruction.
Sergeant Gavin Grady commented on the find: "This cannabis grow is now being dismantled and the plants within, which represent a significant quantity of street drugs, will be removed and destroyed. Targeting drugs supply is a priority for local police and our officers are always on the lookout for any potential criminal activity. Information from our communities is critical and we continue to ask anyone who has knowledge of drugs activity or who suspects cannabis cultivation may be taking place in their neighbourhood, to please bring that information to us and we will act upon it."
The PSNI has reiterated that community intelligence remains a vital tool in disrupting the local drug trade. They have encouraged anyone with suspicions regarding similar criminal activity to come forward.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or submitted via the online reporting form on the PSNI website. Alternatively, individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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10 February 2026
Police Seize £40,000 Cannabis Haul in Bessbrook
Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis factory in Bessbrook, leading to the seizure of plants with an estimated street value of £40,000. The discovery was made on Sunday, 8 February, after officers responded to a report concerning a property in the Ard Aveen Park area.
Police Seize £40,000 Cannabis Haul in Bessbrook
Police have uncovered a substantial cannabis factory in Bessbrook, leading to the seizure of plants with an estimated street value of £40,000. The discovery was made on Sunday, 8 February, after officers responded to a report concerning a property in the Ard Aveen Park area.
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Police in Enniskillen are appealing for witnesses following two burglaries in the Castlecoole Road area. The incidents occurred between 11.30pm on Sunday, 8 February, and 7am on Monday, 9 February. According to reports, an intruder gained entry to two separate properties during this timeframe, with a sum of cash being stolen from both locations.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

