Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch have charged an additional five men as part of an investigation into suspected cannabis cultivation, bringing the combined total of men charged today, Wednesday, 24th June, to 11.  The arrests followed searches in Counties Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

All five have been charged with a range of drug-related offences, including cultivating cannabis, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug, and dishonestly using electricity.

The men, aged 45, 32, 21, 38 and 30, are expected to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Thursday, 25th June.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Another man, aged 30, who was also arrested on suspicion of drugs offences, has been released unconditionally.