Man Arrested in Belfast Following Series of Drug Seizures

Police arrested a 44-year-old man after stopping and searching a vehicle on the Crumlin Road, Belfast, on Thursday afternoon. Officers located drugs with an estimated street value of £75,000 within the vehicle.

Follow-up searches were conducted at three properties in east Belfast and Antrim.

Detectives from the PSNI Organised Crime Unit arrested the man in connection with a series of drug seizures made over the past ten months in the Belfast and Glengormley areas.

The man is being interviewed at Musgrave Police Station. He is being questioned in relation to four seizure incidents and further offences relating to human trafficking and money laundering. In March 2024, drugs with a potential street value of £500,000 were recovered in the Lisburn Road area, and two men were arrested. In September, police seized drugs worth £225,000 and arrested two men and a woman in the Donegall Pass area of Belfast. On 18th November, drugs valued at £250,000 were recovered from a vehicle in Glengormley and a hotel room in Belfast. Two males and a female were arrested on that date.

Detective Inspector Kelly from PSNI Organised Crime Unit said: "Yesterday's arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of cannabis by an organised criminal gang based in the greater Belfast area.

"We believe this male is a significant figure within the gang and was involved in the purchase and supply of drugs in bulk quantities to other drug gangs.

"Detectives have been conducting ongoing enquiries to gather evidence to bring this person before the Court for a variety of offences.

"Drug suppliers exploit the vulnerable to prop up their own lifestyle. They have scant regard for those people and are only motivated by money.

"I would encourage anyone who has any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101 with any information they have. 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."