Man arrested and drugs seized after dramatic police pursuit from Antrim ends in crash near Templepatrick
- Love Ballymena
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
A man has been arrested and a significant quantity of suspected Class A drugs seized following a dramatic police pursuit that began in the Antrim area and ended near Templepatrick on Monday evening, 29 December.
Police say the incident unfolded shortly after 9pm when officers attending an unrelated report in Antrim observed a white Audi A4 behaving suspiciously.
Sergeant Wallace explained how the situation escalated rapidly across several locations, posing serious risks to other road users.
“At around 9.15pm, officers were attending a report in the Antrim area when they observed a white Audi A4 acting suspiciously,” he said.
“A short time later, the same vehicle was reported to have been seen breaching a red light in the Broadway roundabout area of south Belfast, before doing a U turn on the Donegall Road.”
Officers pursued the vehicle as it travelled onto the M2 heading country-bound, where police say the driving became increasingly dangerous.
“Officers pursued the vehicle, which continued to drive in an erratic manner on the M2 country-bound, and swerving onto the hard shoulder to undertake vehicles.
“It also swerved at a police vehicle, narrowly avoiding a collision.”
The pursuit continued after the Audi exited the motorway, before ending dramatically in the Templepatrick area.
“Officers continued to pursue the car after it exited the motorway, and it later crashed into a field at the junction of the Moat Road and the Cherryhill Road, near Templepatrick,” Sergeant Wallace added.
Following the crash, officers carried out a search of the vehicle and made a significant discovery.
“A quantity of suspected Class A drugs together with drugs paraphernalia, a passport, and mobile phones were also located inside the vehicle by police.”
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
“A man aged in his 40s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of offences including failing to stop for police, driving whilst unfit through drunk or drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a Class controlled drug, and possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.
“The man remains in custody at this time, assisting with police enquiries.”
Police have appealed to the public for assistance as enquiries continue, particularly from anyone who may have been in the Antrim, south Belfast, M2 or Templepatrick areas at the time.
“Anyone who might have any information, which could help us, including mobile or dash-cam footage, is asked to get in touch via 101, and quote reference number 1419 of 29/12/25.”
Alternatively, reports can be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at
