Men Arrested In Connection With 'Substantial' Drug Seizure

Two men have been arrested and a substantial quantity of Class B controlled drugs seized by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit.

The operation began when officers from the Roads Policing Interceptors stopped a lorry in the Ballymena area on the morning of Thursday, 30 May. Following a search of the vehicle drugs with a potential street value of £300,000 were discovered.

The 26-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested by officers for possession of a class B drug, possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

A number of follow up searches were then carried out at properties in the Ballymoney, Coleraine and Armoy areas and a second man, aged 32, was arrested. The man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of a class B drug. Both men currently remain in police custody.

Following the operation, Detective Inspector Kelly said: "(These) searches and arrests relate to an ongoing investigation into criminality being conducted by a network of persons involved in the supply of controlled drugs. These drugs would no doubt have been sold on to a number of other gangs. My officers remain committed to tackling the criminal activities of these gangs and to put drug suppliers before the court. Purchasing these drugs only fuels organised criminal gang activities and the control they seek to exert over the community.”

Anyone with any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs in their area is asked to call police the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and would like to get help can visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info. This also includes details of services available for individuals affected by someone else's drinking and/or drug misuse.