Eight kilos of pure cocaine were seized by police

The drugs, with a potential street value of �1m, were recovered during operations in the Lurgan and Lisburn areas on Thursday.

One person has been arrested in connection with the seizure.

The police said they believed they had broken a major drugs ring operating in the Mid Ulster area with connections to the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

"We have recovered over eight kilos of cocaine," said Detective Superintendent George McCauley, of the PSNI's drug squad.

The confiscation of these drugs has prevented further misery in our society Jane Kennedy Security minister

"This is the most significant seizure of cocaine in the province, significant both in terms of the money value and the type of drug.

"Clearly the drug dealers were trying to escalate and appreciate the cocaine market in the province and the robust approach by PSNI has prevented that."

Stormont Security Minister Jane Kennedy congratulated the PSNI on the seizure.

"This is another significant success in our relentless campaign against organised criminals.

"I pay tribute to the efforts of the police, and other law enforcement agencies, who are working tirelessly to remove these gangsters from our streets.

"The confiscation of these drugs has prevented further misery in our society."