Three charged to court after drugs factory raid in Cookstown

by Q Radio News

Three men have been charged after police seized cocaine with a street value of around £600,000 in the Cookstown area. 

It follows a PSNI operation on Thursday night targeting a drugs manufacturing factory uncovered in the town. 

The suspects aged 25, 27 and 28 are due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates Court today. 

They are charged with a number of drug-related offences including Possession of a Class A controlled drug and Possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply. 

They also face a further charged with Possessing Criminal Property. 

Police also seized cannabis with an estimated street value of £4,000, a large quantity of drugs paraphernalia, £10,000 of cash and a high end car. 

When officers arrived, men were wearing chemical suits and "actively manufacturing and preparing drugs" for distribution. 

The operation also involved five searches of residential and commercial premises in the Mid Ulster area. 

A significant number of children’s party equipment and other leisure equipment and vehicles were seized.