Underground cannabis factory discovered by police

Detective Sergeant Kelly Gallagher, from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch in Coleraine, said the discovery followed on from an arrest on Sunday.

“A routine road-stop was conducted of a vehicle at Portstewart Road, Coleraine, and a small amount of cannabis was found during a search of the vehicle, which was being driven by 47-year-old man.

“A search was then conducted at an address near Maghera, and a man aged 22 was also arrested for possession of cannabis.

“A search of the surrounding land uncovered an underground cannabis factory contained within three containers that had been dug into the ground. A total of 120 cannabis plants were discovered.

“Both men were bailed for two weeks to allow financial checks to be completed and the scene to be fully examined.”