Police have charged 11 men following a major operation that uncovered nine cannabis grow houses across Counties Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh. The operation, led by the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch on June 23 and 24, resulted in the seizure of cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1.35 million.

The men, ranging in age from 20 to 53, are due before Strabane Magistrates' Court on June 25. They face charges including cultivating cannabis, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug, and dishonestly using electricity. The Public Prosecution Service will review the charges.

Police made 16 arrests in total. Fourteen were initially held on suspicion of drug offences. Two others were arrested on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency. Of those detained, 13 remained in custody initially. By June 24, 11 had been charged, two had been released on bail, two were released unconditionally, and one remained in custody.

The cannabis factories were discovered in rural locations, including Armagh city, Newtownhamilton, Keady, Killylea, Coalisland, Aughnacloy, Omagh, and Clabby. Detective Sergeant Elliott of the Organised Crime Branch said many of the structures were significant in size and sophistication, likely requiring considerable planning, investment, and maintenance.

Detective Sergeant Elliott stated that the illegal grow operations were generating profits for criminal networks. He said organised crime groups exploit vulnerable people for financial gain. He described the investigation as extremely significant due to the number of sites, arrests, and seizures.

Police recovered an initial £1.1 million worth of cannabis plants on June 23 and 24. Further searches on June 24 yielded additional plants valued at £257,000, bringing the total to around £1.35 million. Officers also seized £7,000 in cash.

Among the arrests, a 43-year-old man was detained in Manchester under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 for an alleged specified offence. Additionally, a 30-year-old man arrested in Ballygawley on suspicion of drugs offences was later released unconditionally.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said the operation showed that criminal gangs cannot operate undetected, even in rural areas. She thanked the PSNI for their work and said those responsible should face the law.

The PSNI has urged anyone with information about drug activity to call 101, report online, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.