Nine suspected cannabis factories were dismantled in a coordinated operation by the PSNI Organised Crime Branch across parts of Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh on Tuesday and Wednesday. Officers seized plants and harvested drugs with an estimated street value of £1.35 million, along with £7,000 in cash.

Eleven men were subsequently charged with offences including cultivating cannabis, being concerned in the supply of the drug, and dishonestly using electricity. One defendant, 38-year-old Eimantas Kulbe of Main Street, Tempo, County Fermanagh, also faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances and possessing criminal property.

The suspects, who range in age from 20 to 53, appeared individually before District Judge Alana McSorley at Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday. The court heard that police believe the operation is linked to a Lithuanian organised crime gang. No bail applications were made, and all were remanded in custody to appear by video link at Dungannon Magistrates Court on 15 July.

Detective Sergeant Elliott of the Organised Crime Branch said the grow houses were significant in size and sophistication, indicating considerable planning and investment. He added that shutting down the sites helps disrupt criminality, and the investigation will continue. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Sinn Féin MLAs Cathal Boylan and Aoife Finnegan welcomed the seizures. They said the operation had substantially disrupted criminal networks and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.