PSNI seize £800k worth of '˜psychoactive substances' during raids

More than £800k worth of '˜psychoactive substances' have been seized by the PSNI in Co Armagh - one of the largest ever in Northern Ireland.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch seized the substances during searches in Portadown and Lurgan over the last two days.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of drugs offences. He has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

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According to the PSNI a number of items were removed for further examination. Also a number of unknown substances were also discovered and are being examined by specially trained officers.

A barrell allegedly containing a psychoactive substance - photo submitted by the PSNIA barrell allegedly containing a psychoactive substance - photo submitted by the PSNI
A barrell allegedly containing a psychoactive substance - photo submitted by the PSNI

After searches in Portadown, police conducted searches at business premises in the Charles St area of Lurgan today as part of the same investigation. Police seized a further quantity of psychoactive substances worth an estimated £400,000, as well as a quantity of tablets and two industrial sized tablets presses.

Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: “These seizures amount to one of the largest in Northern Ireland and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to removing drugs from our communities and the harm and misery they bring with them.

“Recently a barrel containing a large quantity of suspected new psychoactive substances was seized as part of ongoing work carried out by the PSNI’s Organised Crime Units and Border Force.

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“The barrel was to be delivered to an address in Northern Ireland and yesterday detectives from Criminal Investigation Branch visited that address and arrested a man.

'Psychoactive substance' inside barrel - photo submitted by the PSNI'Psychoactive substance' inside barrel - photo submitted by the PSNI
'Psychoactive substance' inside barrel - photo submitted by the PSNI

“This was a significant seizure of approximately £400,000 worth of a suspected psychoactive. We also uncovered a number of unknown substances and they will be examined by specially trained officers after being removed for further examination.

“Today we also seized a further £400,000 of suspected psychoactive substances as well as other tablets and equipment linked with drugs.

“We will continue with proactive investigations and enforcement work but the drugs problem cannot be solved by police alone.

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“We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent the supply of drugs and arrest those involved while at the same time making people aware of the real dangers they pose to their health and their lives if they take illegal or controlled drugs. The profit made from the supply of illegal drugs funds organised crime which brings harm to individuals and destroys communities.

A photo of a label taken by the PSNI during a probe into psychoactive substance seizuresA photo of a label taken by the PSNI during a probe into psychoactive substance seizures
A photo of a label taken by the PSNI during a probe into psychoactive substance seizures

“I would encourage people to ‘think before they buy’.

“I would ask anyone who is aware of any individual involved in the supply of drugs to contact their local police on 101. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”