TWO men have been arrested after police discovered a cannabis factory in Co. Armagh.
The PSNI said drugs with an estimated street value of at least £100,000 were discovered at a property in Crossmaglen on Friday.
Electrical experts sent to the scene to make the property safe for police to investigate said it was wired incredibly badly and posed a serious fire risk.
Police came across the site — the third cannabis factory discovered in the Newry and South Armagh area in as many weeks — after noting suspicious activity while on patrol in the area.
“Officers on mobile patrol observed a man throw away a hand-rolled cigarette as he saw them approach,” said Inspector Reynolds of the PSNI.
“A strong smell of cannabis was noted and, after the cigarette was retrieved, he was arrested on suspicion of possession of class B controlled drugs.
“On attendance at his address, a strong smell of cannabis was again noted.
“When officers searched the property, they discovered approximately 100 cannabis plants in the upstairs rooms.
Police added that poor wiring at illegal cannabis factories posed a serious fire risk (Images: PSNI)“The man, aged 27, and a second man present at the address, aged 28, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B controlled drugs, cultivating cannabis and possession of class B controlled drugs with intent to supply.”
The 28-year-old man has since been charged with cultivating cannabis, being concerned in the supply of a class B controlled drug, possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of a class B controlled drug.
He is due to appear before Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The second man remains in custody at this time.
Last month, police in Co. Armagh discovered a cannabis factory following a house fire in the Bessbrook area.
Police said the blaze highlighted the dangers posed by such factories to surrounding houses due to bad wiring, adding: “The risk of fire at these locations is extreme.”
On Friday’s discovery, Inspector Reynolds added: “A substantial quantity of drugs has now been prevented from reaching our streets and what appears to be a well-organised operation has been dismantled.
“Targeting drugs supply is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and our officers are always on the lookout for any potential criminal activity.”