MEN DUE IN COURT OVER UKP15M DRUG HAUL

TWO men arrested on a yacht off Belfast were due to appear in court
today charged in connection with a UKP15m drugs seizure.

The two men were arrested by Customs officers at sea as Scottish
police arrested another two men in the fishing village of
Portpatrick.

A large amount of cannabis resin was also seized in
Portpatrick.

Dumfries and Galloway police said the drugs, with an estimated street
value of UKP15m, are believed to have been transferred from the yacht
to a fishing vessel off the coast of Islay.

Police said the yacht was tracked by Customs cutters and intercepted
near Belfast.

They described the arrests and seizure as "a major operation"
involving Dumfries and Galloway officers, the Scottish Crime Squad and
Customs officers.

Police said four men would appear in court at Stranraer today in
connection with the seizure.

They said further enquiries are continuing within the United Kingdom
and abroad.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry