Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area in Co. Down was handed a three year sentence following the discovery of a cannabis farm in a silo on his property last year, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
During an earlier court appearance, Weir pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis, using criminal property and converting criminal property.
He has been ordered by the Craigavon Crown Court to spend 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence.
The silo was discovered a few yards from the rear door of the resident’s house in February 2023, following searches of the property by detectives investigating organised drug criminality, supported by local neighbourhood and district support teams.
Two men, Anh Nguyen and Quy Nguyen, were found living in a caravan inside the building at the time and were arrested for drugs-related offences.
They were both charged and later sentenced to one year in prison and one year on licence for cultivation of cannabis.
Detective inspector Kelly from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch said that due to the “vast quantities” of drugs found, it was believed the operation was “capable of making millions of pounds over a number of harvests”.
Cannabis farm
“This was a large and sophisticated cannabis farm and was clearly a well organised operation, which bore all the hallmarks of organised criminal gang involvement,” Kelly said.
“These drugs would have made their way to other criminal groups across Northern Ireland, who in turn attempt to increase their grip on communities by onward supply and profiteering.
“Information from the public is crucial in helping us tackle the scourge of drugs and those who supply them,” Kelly added.
The PSNI has appealed to the public to provide any information relating to the case by calling 101 or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
