TWO men and a woman are have been charged to court in Derry as part of a major investigation into cross-border organised crime which involved the deployment of than 400 police officers.
Officers searched 20 properties across the North of Ireland during the past two days, seizing drugs and luxury items valued at more than £200,000.
Ten of the properties were raided in Derry.
The PSNI has said it was aimed at disrupting the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as money laundering.
The others were in Belfast, Strabane, Armagh, Dungannon, Aughnacloy and Glenavy.
Gardaí also carried out two searches in County Donegal.
The seized items included high value watches, a large diamond and other jewellery, luxury cars and £9,000 in cash.
Those arrested include a member of staff at a jewellery store.
Those charged are a 25-year-old woman and four men aged 35, 36, 41 and 47.
- The 47-year-old man is due before Derry Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, charged with a number of drugs and money laundering offences and the wilful abandonment of two children.
- The 41-year-old man has been charged with a number of drug and money laundering offences and is due before Derry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
- The 25-year-old woman is due before Derry Magistrates’ Court today charged with money laundering and the wilful abandonment of two children.
- The 36-year-old man has also been charged with drug and money laundering offences and will appear at Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
- The 35-year-old man has been charged with money laundering offences and is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court next month.
Detective Superintendent Tim Mairs, head of the PSNI’s reactive and organised crime branch, said the operation was a significant investment of PSNI resources.
A number of items were seized including suspected Class A and B controlled drugs, approximately £200,000 of high value luxury items, including various makes of watches (Rolex, Tag Heuer and Bvlgari), a large diamond and other jewellery, over £9,000 of cash, luxury motor vehicles, an electro-shock device and a large quantity of financial documents, as well as credit cards, mobile phones and computers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tim Mairs, Head of the PSNI’s Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, said: “This was an extensive search and arrest operation into the suspected supply of large quantities of Class A and B controlled drugs namely cocaine and herbal cannabis into and throughout Northern Ireland.
“It also focussed on suspected large scale money laundering.
“The operation, which involved working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, demonstrates PSNI’s commitment to tackling those involved in organised crime and drugs supply in Northern Ireland.
“Police will continue to take robust action against those believed to be involved in organised criminal activity, particularly those involved in the supply of drugs, as well as street level drug dealers.
“Drugs are a concern for communities and this operation demonstrates our commitment to deal with the issue. I would encourage communities to work with the police in investigating and bringing people before the courts.
“This operation demonstrates that that PSNI is effective in removing drugs from our streets and also arresting those believed to be involved in the supply trade who have no regard for the people in their own communities, but instead are fuelled by a desire to make money from others’ addictions.”
Chief Superintendent Mairs added: “I would like to take this opportunity to re-inforce the dangers posed by taking any illegal drug or any medication which is not prescribed for you.
“Misuse of drugs can affect anyone and we recognise that many vulnerable people are being exploited for the financial gain of those higher up the supply chain.
“Information from the community is vital and I would urge anyone who knows anything about the supply of drugs to contact police on 101.”
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