Write a comment
Police in the Crossmaglen area are investigating after suspected cannabis was discovered in a number of suspicious packages delivered to a local address, with Newry and Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan raising concerns about the growing practice of 'cuckooing' in the area.
Police have said that offences of this nature may fall under the remit of cuckooing, a form of criminal exploitation in which drug dealers use a vulnerable person's home to receive or conduct illegal activity. While cuckooing was not previously considered a significant issue in Northern Ireland, police say it is becoming increasingly common and are urging the public to report any suspected instances so they can be thoroughly investigated.
The packages were reported to police on Thursday, 16 April, and upon examination were found to contain suspected cannabis. Enquiries are ongoing and police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1869 16/04/26.
Finnegan said the incident is a matter of serious concern. She said: "Recently the address of an elderly person was used to post a significant amount of cannabis. The parcel of the drugs with a street value of £100,000 was posted to the home. Thankfully, family members realised that something wasn't right about the parcel and contacted the authorities."
The MLA explained how the practice works and who is typically targeted. "The practice of drug dealers using a vulnerable person's home to conduct illegal activity is known as cuckooing. Dealers often target elderly individuals or those who are socially isolated to use their properties. The brash tactic is being used more frequently by brazen heartless criminals, especially with the transportation of cannabis. These peddlers of death and destruction within our communities care about nothing but making money."
Finnegan also called on the public to remain alert, adding: "It is important that we are alert to these criminal activities of the drug dealers. People need to realise that unfortunately this is now recognised as a common method of dealers getting delivery of drugs. Should anyone become aware of any similar type of incident within their own family network, please report it immediately."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1869 16/04/26.
