Five arrested after drugs operations

Lough Ree Lifeboat searching for missing Armagh angler Daryl Burke.

operations to tackle drugs

News of the arrests came with a fresh police commitment to the battle against illegal drugs and an acknowledgement of community support.

As part of two proactive operations under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the PSNI’s E District Tactical Crime Team conducted eight searches in the Banbridge area on Tuesday, September 9 and a further 11 searches on Tuesday, September 16.

A 39-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were arrested on September 9.

The 20-year-old was subsequently charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, possession of Class B drugs and supplying Class B drugs.

He will appear before Banbridge Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

The 39-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and possession of Class C drugs.

He was released on bail pending further enquiries.

A week later a 28-year-old man, 43-year-old woman and 44-year-old man were arrested.

The 28-year-old was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, possession of Class B drugs, supplying Class B drugs and supplying Class C drugs.

He will appear before Banbridge Magistrates’ Court on October 9.

The 44-year-old was charged with common assault and threats to damage property.

He too will appear before Banbridge Magistrates’ Court on October 9.

The 43-year-old female was arrested for possession of Class B drugs.

She was released on bail pending further enquiries.

E District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Wright, said: “We are committed to working with the community to address the illegal use and supply of drugs in the Banbridge area.

“I would like to thank the local community for their support.

“I would also encourage anyone in the local community who has information or concerns about the use or supply of drugs to contact us in Banbridge on the 101 (non-emergency) number or 999 in an emergency.”