Police in Newry uncovered a significant cannabis operation following a report of a hostile male in a local shop earlier this week.
Officers from Newry Local Policing Team C Section responded swiftly to the call, which suggested the man may have been in possession of a weapon. The individual was located in the Talbot Street area carrying what turned out to be a mallet.
While the item was not a firearm, police carried out checks at the suspect’s home to ensure the safety of anyone inside.
During the search, officers discovered a substantial cannabis factory, which has now been fully dismantled and seized.
The man was arrested, interviewed, and charged with multiple offences, including cultivation of cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
He appeared in court on Friday morning and has been remanded into custody.
In a statement, police reminded the public that what may appear to be a single incident can uncover far more serious criminal activity.
“We will continue to take every opportunity to tackle drug supply and usage in the district – whether it’s a hammer, a mallet, or a not-so-secret garden,” the statement said.
This operation, police said, highlights the ongoing efforts of local policing teams to keep the community safe and disrupt drug-related activity across the area.
