Driver arrested after collision with PSNI vehicles as '£0.22m' worth of drugs seized in north Belfast and Newtownabbey
A man has been arrested after police seized suspected drugs worth an estimated £0.22m during searches in north Belfast and Newtownabbey.
A number of vehicles were also seized by detectives from the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) during Wednesday’s operation (July 1).
Detective Inspector Maguire said: “While conducting a proactive policing operation yesterday in the Donegall Quay area in relation to the supply of Class A controlled drugs, officers signalled for a vehicle to stop. It failed to do so, attempting to make off instead, which resulted in a collision with two police vehicles.
“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries and a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs, which were then seized.
“The driver, a man in his thirties, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, providing money or property for the purposes of terrorism, failing to stop for police and driving without due care and attention."
The man remains in police custody at this time.
Detective Inspector Maguire added: “Follow-up searches conducted in the Newtownabbey and Mallusk areas resulted in further suspected drugs being seized, along with a number of vehicles, with the total estimated street value of all drugs seized as a result of the searches £225,000.
“These searches and the arrest demonstrate the PCTF’s commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drug use and supply in our communities.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and I would encourage anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on the 101 number."
A report can also be submitted to police online, or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.