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Police have dealt a significant financial blow to organised crime gangs operating across the border after seizing around £300,000 worth of cash, drugs and other contraband during searches in Newry last Thursday 16 October.
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch searched a commercial premises and a residential property in the Newry area as part of an ongoing investigation into drugs supply by criminal groups working on both sides of the border. The searches uncovered approximately £250,000 in cash in both sterling and euro, along with suspected Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value of over £50,000. Officers also seized a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes and a significant amount of jewellery.
Detective Inspector Sweeney explained that the seized cash is suspected to be proceeds of crime, and the PSNI will be applying to the courts next week to have it 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," he said.
He added that whilst police remain committed to arresting suspects, removing drugs from the streets and pursuing prosecutions, targeting the financial side of organised crime is equally important. "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."
DI Sweeney appealed to the local community to come forward with any information about organised criminal activity, emphasising that police rely on public help to carry out this type of work. Anyone with information can contact officers on 101.
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using their non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk
The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
