£250,000 in cash seized during organised crime investigation in Newry

Over £50,000 in Class A and B drugs were also seized

Police have seized around £250,000 in cash and over £50,000 worth of drugs as part of an investigation into organised crime in Newry.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch searched a commercial and residential property in the city on Thursday, October 16, as part of an investigation into drug dealing by organised criminal groups on both sides of the border.

They seized Sterling and Euro denominations totalling around £250,000 and suspected Class A and suspected Class B controlled drugs with a combined value of over £50,000.

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A significant quantity of jewellery and illicit cigarettes were also seized.

Detective Inspector Sweeney said: “This cash has been seized as the suspected proceeds of crime and next week we will lodge an application with the court to have this cash permanently confiscated. I have no doubt forfeiture of such sums represents a real financial blow to those organised criminal groups involved in this type of activity.

“While we won’t stop arresting suspects, removing drugs from our streets and pursuing criminal prosecutions, we are also aware that taking away their criminal profit is often what really hurts these groups. We are committed to making more of these seizures and of larger sums.

“However, we rely on the help of the community to do such work. I appeal for anyone with information relating to organised criminal activity to contact officers on 101.

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

“The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”