Man (28) due in court after police seize '£50,000' worth of suspected drugs following eight searches in Portrush and Portstewart areas
A man is due to appear in court on Friday (July 17) on charges relating to the seizure of suspected drugs in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
The 28-year-old is charged with possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, being concerned in an offer to supply a Class B controlled drug and possessing criminal property.
He is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court. Police say as is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
Earlier on Thursday (July 16), searches were conducted at eight addresses across Portrush and Portstewart as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of illegal drugs in the area.
Commenting on the operation, Superintendent Yvonne McManus said: “As a result of the searches, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs were seized, with an estimated street value of more than £50,000.
"Officers also seized a large quantity of suspected Class B edibles, along with drugs-related paraphernalia and a quantity of cash. All of the items have now been taken away for further forensic examination.
“A 28-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug and possessing criminal property."
He remains in police custody at this time.
Superintendent McManus added: “A second man, aged 40, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in supply of a Class B drug and possessing criminal property.
"He has since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
“Today’s searches and arrests were conducted by officers from the Causeway Coast and Glens District Support Team (DST), assisted by the Causeway Coast and Glens Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Tactical Support Group colleagues (TSG) and North Area DST, with support also from our Dog Unit.
“This was extremely good work from those involved and demonstrates our 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.”
Alternatively, a report can be submitted to police online, or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.