A massive drug consignment seized by police in Northern Ireland yesterday was shipped in from north Africa, the PSNI said today.
Detectives linked the haul of cannabis and amphetamines worth stg£1.8 million to an organised crime gang.
Security sources revealed the haul - the third largest of its kind in Northern Ireland - may have originated in Morocco.
The commanding officer in the area insisted the swoop was a major breakthrough in the war against traffickers and dealers operating throughout the North.
Superintendent Terry Shevlin said: "This was not all destined for Ballymena, it would have been redistributed further than that.
"The impact of this is very significant."
The drugs were found yesterday during a planned search of premises in Glarryford on the outskirts of the town.
A 48-year-old man arrested in connection with the seizure is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates court tomorrow charged with six offences, including possession with intent to supply.