A man has been arrested after officers on mobile patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle in Castlewellan in the early hours of Sunday, 5th July. 

District policing Chief Inspector Caldwell said: "When officers stopped with the vehicle in the Bann Road area at around 12.30am, they noted a strong smell of cannabis. 

"The vehicle was searched and officers located a quantity of suspected class A and class B controlled drugs, alongside a sum of cash. 

"A subsequent search of the driver's home address led to the discovery of further quantities of suspected class A and B controlled drugs, drug-related paraphernalia and a substantial amount of cash in both sterling and euro. 

"A number of phones were also found and seized for forensic examination. 

"The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, aged 61, remains in custody after his arrest on suspicion of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property and possession of a class B controlled drug."

Chief Inspector Caldwell continued: "This was excellent work by our observant patrol officers. 

"Targeting illegal drug supply and the misery it causes is a priority for us here in Newry, Mourne and Down district.

“Information from our communities is critical and we continue to ask anyone who has knowledge or suspicion of drug-related activity in their neighbourhood to please bring it to us - we will act upon it.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/