Man charged after Ballymena patrol incident involving drugs and knife

A man has been charged to court following one of two overnight incidents in Ballymena linked to suspected drugs offences and the recovery of a knife.

Police confirmed the 41-year-old has been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class C controlled drug, and possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place.

The charges follow an incident in the Crebilly Road area during the early hours of Friday, June 5, when officers on patrol observed a man walking along a footpath carrying a plastic bag.

Police said the man made off on foot as officers approached before being detained a short time later.

He is expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on July 2.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Second man released on bail after erratic driving incident

The latest development comes after police carried out two separate arrests in Ballymena overnight linked to drugs and motoring-related offences.

In the earlier incident, shortly after 1am, officers conducting mobile patrols on the Antrim Road observed a car being driven erratically.

Police followed the vehicle before signalling for it to stop.

A 22-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of driving and drugs offences after suspected Class A and Class B drugs were recovered during searches.

Police have now confirmed the 22-year-old has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries.

Investigations ongoing

The PSNI said enquiries into both incidents remain ongoing.

The arrests form part of continuing police activity targeting suspected drugs offences and public safety concerns in the Ballymena area.

Anyone with information about drugs activity can contact police on 101 or report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org