£800,000 drugs seizure

As part of the operation Police also arrested a 33-year-old man, after local officers, assisted by colleagues in the Organised Crime Branch, stopped a van on Glengalliagh Road shortly after 7pm.

It was revealed that a substantial quantity of herbal cannabis had been concealed in kitchen units in the vehicle was seized.

The drugs are being sent for detailed analysis to determine the quality of the cannabis but a preliminary estimate has valued the haul at £800,000.

The arrested man was yesterday said to be being questioned at Strabane police station.

G District commander Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin said: “I want to commend all the officers involved in this operation last night. We have seized a substantial quantity of cannabis - drugs which will no longer pose a threat to our community and, in particular, to our your people. We have also arrested a 33 year old man who will now be subject to the full rigour of the law.

“Police are committed to reducing the harm posed to people by the scourge of drugs. We will continue to do this by working with groups and individuals through the criminal justice system to ensure drugs are taken off our streets and those involved in this evil and dangerous trade are brought before the courts.”