Drugs crackdown

Last Tuesday a man was arrested in the Lodge Road, Coleraine area on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs and possession with intent to supply.

A 22-year old man was arrested for possession of Class B drugs and was subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries at the Adelaide Avenue area.

A 25-year-old man was arrested for various drug offences at the Nursery Avenue area and a 26-year-old man was bailed pending further enquiries after being arrested at residential premises at the Nursery Avenue, Coleraine area for drug offences.

In addition a 29-year-old man was arrested for possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply at the Loguestown Road, Portstewart area.

A quantity of drugs were recovered from a vehicle in the area and during a follow-up search at the Garden Avenue, Portstewart area two other men, aged 27 and 26, were arrested. A quantity of drugs and other items were seized during the proactive policing operation.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Nicky Thompson said: “This is a significant number of arrests in the North Coast area, as police continue to apprehend those involved in the illegal sale of drugs.

“Police will continue to target those determined to inflict misery on the greater Coleraine community through the sale of illegal drugs.

“Since the police operation began on 20 August, police in H District, which incorporates, Ballymena, Ballymoney , Coleraine, Larne and Moyle have conducted 144 stop and searches, 168 drugs searches and seized over £5,000 worth of drugs.

“Chief Inspector Thompson continued: “We welcome the public’s continued support for police in Coleraine . My officers are intent on tackling the issue of illegal drugs in partnership with the local community but we need information from the public to tackle these criminals effectively.

Detective Inspector Sean Fitzpatrick from CID, who is leading the operation in the Coleraine area, told The Times: “The police in Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle will continue to work tirelessly to remove these potentially dangerous drugs from our streets.

“We remain committed to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs and are working to disrupt those involved in the sale and supply of drugs to limit the amount of misery they are able to inflict on communities and ultimately put these criminals behind bars.

“My team and I have seen first hand, the misery caused to the families of those who take drugs. If you have any information please pick up the phone and contact police.”

“Our message today is clear and simple: if you see or know of anyone who is dealing drugs in your local area, then contact your local police on 0845 600 8000 or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111 and pass on any details that you may have. Remember they are living on the proceeds of these drugs while ruining the lives of others.”