Police from the PSNI Organised Crime Branch searched a house in the Maryville Street area of south Belfast on 14 May. Officers recovered suspected Class B controlled drugs with a street value of £270,000, a large amount of cash, drugs paraphernalia and other items for forensic tests.

Three men aged 49, 22 and 18 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drugs offences. The 49-year-old was later released on bail pending further inquiries.

The two younger men faced Belfast Magistrates’ Court on 15 May. They were charged with possession of Class B drugs, possession with intent to supply, involvement in supply and possession of criminal property.

Mark Morrison, 22, of Madrid Street in Belfast, appeared in court alongside the 18-year-old co-accused. Police stated that 18 kilos of cannabis in two cardboard boxes were found in the living room, valued at around £200,000, with £40,000 to £50,000 in cash on the kitchen counter.

Morrison told police he arrived at the house to collect two e-bikes for resale and received £50 for each. He denied knowledge of the drugs or cash but admitted smoking cannabis there with the co-accused.

A detective described Morrison as a suspected senior member of an organised crime group involved in drug supply. The defence noted no DNA or fingerprints linked him to the boxes.

District Judge Steven Keown remanded Morrison in custody until 12 June, citing risk of reoffending and flight in what appeared a large-scale operation.

Detective Inspector Miskelly said the search kept a large quantity of suspected dangerous drugs off the streets.