Drug patrols on Ballymena–Belfast rail line lead to arrest and multiple sanctions

Officers from the PSNI’s Safe Transport Team on patrol on the train network over the weekend.

Police activity across the rail network between Ballymena and Belfast has resulted in an arrest and a series of drug-related sanctions, following targeted patrols by the PSNI’s Safe Transport Team.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, April 18, saw officers focusing on both train services and key transport hubs, with enforcement action taken against several passengers found in possession of suspected drugs.

Searches at Ballymena station uncover cannabis

During a foot patrol at Ballymena Train Station, officers detained two female passengers for a drug search.

A quantity of cannabis was discovered, leading to one of the women being issued with a Community Resolution Notice for possession of a Class B drug.

Drugs seized during the PSNI’s operation at the weekend across the transport network.

The intervention formed part of a wider proactive policing effort aimed at disrupting drug use and supply across public transport routes serving Mid and East Antrim and beyond.

Further stops on Belfast-bound train

Officers continued patrols on board a train travelling towards Belfast, maintaining a visible presence while carrying out further checks on passengers.

Three male passengers were subsequently stopped and searched for drugs. Two of the men were issued with Community Resolution Notices after substances were found in their possession.

A third male was arrested for possession of a Class B drug. Police confirmed that the individual had been released from prison the previous day, adding further context to the enforcement action.

Patrols extend to major Belfast transport hub

The operation extended into Belfast, where officers conducted additional foot patrols through Grand Central Bus & Train Station, one of Northern Ireland’s busiest transport interchanges.

The coordinated activity across both rail services and station environments reflects an ongoing strategy to monitor and respond to drug-related activity within the public transport network.

Ongoing priority to tackle drug misuse on transport routes

The PSNI’s Safe Transport Team said tackling drug misuse across the public transport system remains a key priority.

The latest enforcement activity highlights continued police focus on routes connecting towns such as Ballymena with Belfast, where large numbers of passengers travel daily for work, education, and leisure.

The use of Community Resolution Notices in several cases indicates a proportionate response to lower-level drug possession, while the arrest demonstrates escalation where circumstances warrant more serious intervention.

Police presence on trains and at stations is expected to continue as part of ongoing efforts to deter illegal activity and maintain safety across Northern Ireland’s transport network.

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At a glance

• PSNI Safe Transport Team carried out patrols on the Ballymena–Belfast rail route on Saturday, April 18

• Two women stopped and searched at Ballymena Train Station

• Cannabis found; one issued with a Community Resolution Notice

• Three men stopped and searched on Belfast-bound train

• Two issued with Community Resolution Notices

• Third man arrested for possession of a Class B drug

• Arrested individual had been released from prison the previous day

• Patrols also carried out at Grand Central Bus & Train Station in Belfast

• Police say tackling drug misuse on public transport remains a priority