The name Clive Weir has become widely recognised across Northern Ireland following his high-profile conviction connected to one of the largest cannabis farms discovered in the region. Once known primarily as a hard-working farmer and family man from Hillsborough, County Down, Weir’s reputation took a dramatic turn when police uncovered a vast drug cultivation operation on his land. This article explores who he is, his family and background, the case that led to his downfall, and what his story reveals about crime and community in Northern Ireland.
Who Is Clive Weir?
Early Life and Background
Clive Weir was a respected poultry farmer, living in the rural surroundings of Hillsborough, County Down. As a father of six, he was seen by many in his community as a man rooted in traditional family values. Reports suggest he had strong connections to local Free Presbyterian and Democratic Unionist Party circles, further reinforcing his image as a man of faith, family, and community responsibility.
Farming and Community
Weir’s farm in New Road near Hillsborough was primarily known for poultry, reflecting the agricultural traditions of County Down. Farmers in this area often live under scrutiny, as agriculture is the heartbeat of rural life, and neighbours tend to know one another’s affairs. This makes the discovery of a large-scale criminal enterprise on such a farm all the more shocking.
The Discovery of the Cannabis Farm
The Police Raid
On 3rd February 2023, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) discovered an enormous cannabis cultivation set-up on Weir’s land. It was hidden in a silo and barn structure, just yards from his farmhouse. Officers found the operation so sophisticated that it took several days to dismantle, requiring specialist teams and extensive resources.
Scale of the Operation
The sheer size of the enterprise stunned investigators and the public alike. Around 700 cannabis plants were uncovered in various stages of growth, alongside approximately 50 kilograms of dried cannabis ready for distribution. The operation used industrial-scale lighting, ventilation, heating systems, and even suspended pallets to maximise plant capacity.
Experts estimated the crop could generate £200,000 per month, potentially running into millions over its lifespan. The sophistication and financial potential marked it as one of the most significant cannabis finds in Northern Ireland’s recent history.
Clive Weir’s Role in the Operation
Direct Involvement
Although not physically present during the raid—he was reportedly abroad in Dubai—Clive Weir admitted his role in facilitating the cannabis farm. His main contribution was providing fuel to power the diesel generators that ran the growing equipment. He was estimated to supply around £5,000 worth of diesel every week.
Financial Gains
Financial records linked to Weir showed he received approximately £41,495 from the operation. However, investigators believed his overall financial benefit could have been closer to £100,000. While this may not have equalled the profits reaped by the organisers of the operation, it proved he was not a passive bystander but a willing participant.
Organised Crime Connections
It emerged that the cultivation was run with the help of organised crime groups, including Vietnamese nationals working on the site. Two men, Anh Nguyen and Quy Nguyen, were discovered tending the crops. Their involvement raised concerns about human trafficking and exploitation linked to the drug trade.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charges
Weir faced charges of cultivating cannabis, possessing criminal property, and converting criminal property. Each of these offences carried severe implications, signalling his direct link to the financial and operational aspects of the farm.
The Verdict
In late 2024, he was sentenced to three years in prison. This sentence was split evenly: 18 months in custody followed by 18 months under licence in the community. The judgement reflected both the seriousness of the crime and his role in enabling it, though not placing him as the mastermind behind the scheme.
A Stain on Reputation
The conviction stripped away the image of a respectable farmer. For his family and neighbours, the scandal was a painful revelation. Many in Hillsborough struggled to reconcile the man they knew with the man convicted in court.
Clive Weir and His Family
The Family Man
As a father of six, Clive Weir’s family life became an unavoidable subject of public discussion. His conviction placed immense pressure not only on him but also on his wife and children. Living in a close-knit rural community, the family undoubtedly faced judgement, gossip, and the shadow of scandal.
Community Perception
In many rural Northern Irish communities, reputation is everything. Families live side by side for generations, and word travels fast. The Weir family name, once respected, was inevitably tarnished by the revelations. Yet within such communities, there is also resilience; families often rally together to rebuild after disgrace, seeking redemption and reconciliation.
Wider Context: Northern Ireland and Drug Crime
Cannabis Cultivation Trends
Northern Ireland has seen a rise in cannabis cultivation linked to organised crime in recent years. Farms are often hidden in rural barns, disused factories, or warehouses. Sophisticated operations like the one found on Clive Weir’s property reflect a growing trend of professionalisation in the illegal drug trade.
The Hillsborough Shock
The discovery of the farm so close to Hillsborough—a village known for its royal connections and historic charm—made the story particularly newsworthy. It symbolised how no community, no matter how picturesque or traditional, is immune from the reach of organised crime.
Lessons from the Case of Clive Weir
A Dual Image
The case of Clive Weir Hillsborough highlights the duality of human nature. On the one hand, he was a family man, farmer, and respected community figure. On the other, he was complicit in fuelling one of the largest drug operations in Northern Ireland.
Family and Community Impact
The consequences of crime stretch far beyond the convicted individual. For Weir’s family, the stigma may linger for years. For the community, trust has been fractured, and the story serves as a warning that appearances can be deceiving.
Law Enforcement Challenges
The case also illustrates the challenges faced by police in tackling organised crime. Large-scale operations like the one linked to Weir require resources, time, and international cooperation. It also highlights the importance of holding not only organisers but also facilitators accountable.
Conclusion
The story of Clive Weir is a cautionary tale rooted in Northern Ireland’s rural heartland. Once viewed as a respectable Hillsborough farmer and father of six, his involvement in a sophisticated cannabis farm transformed him into a convicted criminal. His downfall demonstrates how the lure of financial gain can corrupt even those with strong community ties.
For his family, the ordeal has been a public tragedy. For the wider community, it is a reminder that organised crime can infiltrate even the most traditional and close-knit corners of society. Ultimately, the case of Clive Weir is not just about one man—it is about choices, consequences, and the fragile balance between respectability and criminality.
