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Buncrana cannabis factory found
16.05.11
by Linda McGrory
THREE men are in custody today in connection with
the discovery of a large cannabis cultivation
factory in Buncrana.
The three were arrested on Sunday afternoon after a
large quantity of herbal cannabis was found
concealed in a vehicle during a routine garda
checkpoint near Burnfoot.
In a follow-up operation, a house on the outskirts
of Buncrana was searched and a large cannabis
cultivation factory was discovered. |
Superintendent Kevin
English described the drugs haul as 'highly
significant'. He said the estimated value of the
drugs seized so far was €190,000, not including the
plants found at the house. He said the overall value
of the haul was likely to increase significantly.
"Gardai were operating a checkpoint on Sunday
afternoon when a vehicle was stopped and during the
course of a search, a large quantity of herbal
cannabis was found concealed in the vehicle," said
Supt. English. |
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Superintendent Kevin English. |
"Another vehicle that
we believe was travelling in convoy with the first
vehicle was also detained and three men were
arrested under drug trafficking legislation.
"We also identified a house on the outskirts of
Buncrana as part of a follow-up investigation.
"A full cannabis cultivation factory had been set up
in the house. All the rooms in the house had been
dedicated to cannabis growing. All the paraphernalia
associated with drugs harvesting including lighting
and ventilation was also found."
The house is currently sealed off and forensic
officers are examining the scene.
Supt English said nobody was in the property at the
time of the swoop.
The three men, who are non nationals, are currently
being held at Buncrana garda station where they can
be questioned for up to seven days. |
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