Six people have been jailed for a total of eighteen years following a major operation against cannabis factories in Northern Ireland.
They are the latest in a series of convictions secured by the police as a result of the operation last year.
The intelligence-led operation was one of the region's largest to date.
Since early 2008 officers from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch, working with uniformed officers all over Northern Ireland, arrested 104 suspects and charged 84 people with drugs offences. Cannabis valued at over £17m was seized.
Detective Inspector Peter Moore said the operation was highly significant.
"The impact this has had on organised crime gangs, originating from South East Asia, cannot be underestimated," he said.
"Today six more people have been punished by the courts for their involvement in these crimes and this sends out an important message. Cultivating cannabis, dealing in illegal and harmful drugs of any kind, will not be tolerated."
However DI Moore added that a number of other cannabis factories have been uncovered in recent months and said that shows the threat still remains.
"Criminal gangs continue to rent property from the private sector to use as bases for these factories," he said.
"We would ask landlords to check the details of prospective tenants. If they are in any doubt they should contact their local police."
© UTV News