Police in the Causeway Coast and Glens area have charged a man following a series of planned searches on Thursday, 16 July, that resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of suspected illegal drugs.
Operation and recovery
Officers carried out searches at eight addresses across Portrush and Portstewart as part of an investigation into the supply of illegal drugs locally. The seizures included suspected Class A and Class B drugs, a large amount of suspected cannabis-infused edibles, drug paraphernalia and cash. The street value of the suspected drugs has been estimated at around £50,000.
Arrests and charges
A 28-year-old man has been charged and is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 July. Charges brought against him include possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply those drugs, being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, being concerned in an offer to supply a Class B drug and possessing criminal property. As is normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
A second man, aged 40, was also arrested in connection with the searches. He has been released on bail while police continue their enquiries.
Police comment and next steps
"Our enquiries are ongoing and I would encourage anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on the 101 number."
The items seized have been taken for further forensic examination and will form part of an ongoing investigation by the PSNI into the supply of illegal drugs in the local area.
What was recovered
- Suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs
- Large quantity of suspected cannabis edibles (sweets, cakes or similar)
- Drug-related paraphernalia
- Quantity of cash
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated street value | £50,000 |
| Number of addresses searched | 8 (Portrush and Portstewart) |
| People arrested | 2 (28-year-old charged; 40-year-old released on bail) |
Community impact and how to report information
The seizures and subsequent charges underline ongoing policing efforts to tackle drug supply within local communities. If you have information that could assist the investigation, police have asked members of the public to contact them on 101. Information can also be submitted online to the PSNI or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Further forensic examination of the recovered items and the outcome of the court process for the charged man will be followed up as the investigation progresses.
