‘Sophisticated’ £1m cannabis factory uncovered by police on NI industrial estate

Police uncovered the illegal operation on Tuesday, September 2

Police have uncovered a “sophisticated” cannabis factory on an Antrim industrial estate with an estimated value of £1million.

Officers raided an industrial estate in the Steeple Road area of the town at around 11.20am on Tuesday, September 2, where they found a large cannabis factory that has been described as ” a highly sophisticated and well organised operation”.

Drugs with an estimated street value of £1m were seized alongside growing equipment.

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No arrests have been made in connection with the cannabis factory yet, but police have said their investigation is ongoing and have appealed to anyone with any information that could help them to contact them.

District Support Team (DST) Sergeant Lowry said: “At approximately 11.20am on Tuesday, 2nd September officers conducted a search of a unit within an industrial estate in the Steeple Road area.

“DST officers supported by colleagues from other local units discovered a substantial amount of plants growing throughout the unit – with an estimated street value of approximately £1m.

“This was a highly sophisticated and well organised operation. The plants along with growing equipment have been seized, and will now undergo forensic examination.

“While no arrests have been made at this time, our investigation is ongoing – and officers remain at the scene this evening.

“Cannabis factories such as this one often have links to serious criminality. By dismantling this extensive grow, we have helped to stop unlawful activity in its tracks.

“Drug supply and misuse is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play.

“I am appealing to the public who may have any information which could be of assistance to us to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 517 02/09/25.”

“Please get in touch with us if you have noticed anything out of the ordinary or suspicious in this area that may help with our ongoing enquiries.

“Regardless of how small you think it may seem, this information could potentially make a big difference.

“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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