Seven Arrests Over £160k Drug Raid

Seven people have been arrested following a drug raid that uncovered suspected cannabis worth an estimated £160,000 during searches in Belfast and Dunmurry.

Along with the class B substance, suspected class A drugs worth around £1000 and a sum of cash were seized on Wednesday 08 January.

Five men aged 26, 31, 33, 36 and 38 and a 58 year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a number of drugs offences. A 29 year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

All seven have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime suite for questioning.

Police have since reiterated their warning against recreational drug use. Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: "Many people who spend money on a casual transaction at the weekend think that it isn't harming anyone else; the reality couldn't be further from the truth.

"Not only is it illegal to purchase these drugs but it fuels the local drug trade which causes irreparable damage and loss to many families and individuals whose lives it destroys.

"When you hand over money for a small amount of drugs at the weekend, this contributes to the violence and intimidation inflicted by merciless crime gangs."

Detective Inspector Mullan continued: "The use of cannabis itself can damage your physical and mental health. Cannabis remains the most used drug by persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug addiction.

"Drug dealers don't care about their communities and profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs."

Any members of the public with concerns about drug dealing in their area are urged to contact police on non-emergency line 101. Alternatively, information can be provided in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)