A forfeiture order for £52,755.26 has been granted to the Police Service of Northern Ireland following a hearing at Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

The legal action stems from a multi-departmental investigation involving the Economic Crime Branch and the Fermanagh & Omagh District Support Team. The probe focused on a group suspected of drug-related criminal activity within the Enniskillen area.

According to Inspector Gary Irvine, the investigation gained momentum in June 2024 after several suspicious vehicles were recovered in the town. This led police to conduct a search at the Armagh residence of Peadair O'Maldomnaigh, aged 37. During the search, officers discovered a substantial amount of Euro notes alongside other materials. Inspector Irvine noted: "The large sum was seized in Euro cash alongside other items and O'Maldomnaigh offered no explanation for the source of this income."

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, legal counsel for O'Maldomnaigh confirmed that the application for the forfeiture of the funds would be uncontested.

Emphasising the police's stance on illicit wealth, Inspector Irvine stated: "Your district support team are committed to pursuing all those involved in criminal activity, sending a clear message that crime doesn't pay."

He credited the success of the seizure to cooperation from the public, adding: "This forfeiture has been made possible with the support of the local community. I would appeal to the public to continue to provide information on those they suspect to be living a criminally-funded lifestyle so we can investigate. We will deprive criminals of their cash and use it for a better purpose."