| “We will act on any information that is provided to us about crime and would point to this as proof that by working together, both police and the community, we can make north Belfast a safer place for everyone,” he said. Commending the unprecedented community intelligence which led to the drugs bust, Ulster Unionist MLA Fred Cobain said it was a clear sign drugs would not be tolerated in North Belfast. “This major find is the direct result of community intelligence, people on the ground saying they will not tolerate drugs in their areas, and proof that people are prepared to co-operate with police to stamp this out,” he said. “A find of this size is a major success in the fight against drugs on our streets and it is inspiring to see the community getting fully involved. “The work of the Conflict Transformation Initiative has to be commended here and this drugs bust is proof their joined-up approach with residents and police is working. “We must do everything we can to promote this liaison because if the relationship doesn't work then we can't do our work on the ground effectively so I would encourage everyone to follow this shining example and provide as much community intelligence to police as possible. “This is the only way we will able to stamp drugs out of our communities once and for all.” Police surveillance of the uninhabited Old Westland Road house began several weeks ago following tip-offs from locals. Officers who stormed the property this week were met with what has been described as a “cannabis factory-like setup”, fuelling speculation the drugs belonged to a criminal gang. John Howcroft, North Belfast spokesman for the Conflict Transformation Initiative (CTI) said community involvement in this latest drugs bust sent out a clear message drugs would not be tolerated in the area. “The people on the ground up here 100 per cent support this find and are adamant drugs will not be tolerated in our community,” he said. “Their contribution led to the discovery and this has to be commended.” Confirming a large quantity of cannabis plants had been seized at the property, a police spokesman said four people had been arrested in connection with the raid and were assisting police with their enquiries. “The cannabis plants are currently being examined,” he said. “It is only the early stages of the investigation and all lines of enquiry remain open.”
North Belfast Times Brought to you by Cannabis NI - Northern Irelands first pro-reform organisation http://www.cannabisni.com | 
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