£375,000 cocaine seizure as two men arrested in latest police drugs operation

Drugs seized by police in latest operation against organised crime in Northern Ireland

Detectives investigating organised crime in north Belfast have seized suspected cocaine worth an estimated £375,000 and arrested two men following a police operation on Monday, 18 May.

The major drugs seizure was carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminal activity in the area.

Two men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug and possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Both men remained in police custody on Tuesday morning.

Police say operation disrupted organised criminal activity

Detective Inspector Miskelly said the operation had significantly disrupted the activities of individuals believed to be involved in organised crime.

“As a result of our operation on Monday we have recovered approximately £375,000 of suspected cocaine and disrupted the activities of those we believe to be involved in organised illegal activity,” he said.

The seizure represents one of the more substantial suspected cocaine recoveries announced by police in recent months and comes amid continued efforts by the PSNI to target organised drug supply networks operating across Northern Ireland.

Police have repeatedly warned that the illegal drugs trade fuels wider criminality, including violence, intimidation and exploitation within local communities.

Public urged to report drug activity

Detective Inspector Miskelly appealed directly to the public for information relating to drug dealing and organised crime activity.

“As a police service, we rely heavily on the support of the public and need people to come forward with any information they have relating to such criminality,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone with information about the use or supply of illegal drugs in their area to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.”

Members of the public can also report information online through the PSNI reporting portal at: https://www.psni.police.uk/report

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Investigation remains ongoing

Police have not released further details about where the suspected drugs were recovered or whether additional arrests are expected.

The investigation by the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch remains ongoing.