Two men arrested over major cannabis factories in Magherafelt and Cookstown

The men aged 33yrs and 34yrs were arrested in Newry yesterday evening and Portadown this morning.

The seizures at Carrickmore, Millisle, Magherafelt, Cookstown and Portadown resulted in the recovery of cannabis plants with a total estimated street value in excess of £1.5m.

Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: “We have been conducting ‘Operation Solaro’ for over a year in conjunction with our colleagues in An Garda Siochanna. Solaro is a Northern Ireland wide investigation into cannabis cultivation which stretches to the Irish Republic.

“We have already charged a number of people in connection with the discoveries. Criminals should be aware that we are not satisfied simply seizing their drugs and arresting whoever we find tending to the plants. We conduct thorough investigations in our efforts to identify everyone involved - to ensure we ultimately have the right people before the courts”.