£450,000 drug haul seized in Ballymena as police arrest driver

Drugs seized by police in the Ballykeel area of Ballymena

A routine patrol in Ballymena has led to a major drugs seizure worth an estimated £450,000, in what police have described as a “substantial disruption” to illegal activity in the area.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stopped and searched a suspicious vehicle in the Ballykeel area on Thursday, 26 March 2026. What they discovered inside was far from routine.

Approximately 30 kilos of suspected herbal cannabis were recovered, alongside suspected cocaine and Xanax tablets — a significant haul now removed from local streets.

Major blow to local drug activity

The male driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene for a number of offences and has since been charged. He was due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 28 March.

Police say the seizure represents a major intervention in the local drugs trade, preventing a large quantity of illegal substances from reaching communities across Ballymena and beyond.

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said:

“This drug seizure represents a substantial disruption of illegal drug activity in our community. We remain committed to tackling drug related crime and keeping our streets safe.”

Community impact and ongoing efforts

The scale of the seizure highlights the continued presence of organised drug activity in the area — but also the effectiveness of proactive policing in intercepting it.

With an estimated street value of nearly half a million pounds, the drugs recovered could have had a significant impact on local communities, from addiction and health risks to associated criminal behaviour.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting efforts to tackle drug crime.

Anyone with information about drug dealing or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At a glance

• PSNI seized drugs worth an estimated £450,000 in Ballymena

• Stop-and-search carried out in the Ballykeel area on 26 March 2026

• Around 30 kilos of suspected herbal cannabis recovered

• Suspected cocaine and Xanax tablets also seized

• Male driver arrested and charged with multiple offences

• Court appearance scheduled for 28 March at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court

• Police describe seizure as a “substantial disruption” to drug activity

• Public urged to report information on drug dealing or suspicious activity