Suspected £1.4 million cocaine haul seized in Northern Ireland as man, 53, arrested

A major suspected cocaine haul worth more than £1.4 million has been seized by detectives in Warrenpoint, with a 53-year-old man arrested following a police operation in Co Down on Thursday morning.

The significant drugs seizure was made during a house search in the Mourne Drive area of Warrenpoint on Thursday 16 April, as officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch, supported by the Tactical Support Group, carried out a targeted operation linked to ongoing investigations into drug supply in the area.

Police said the discovery forms part of continuing efforts to disrupt organised criminal activity and remove Class A drugs from communities across Co Down.

Major drugs seizure during morning search

During the search of the property, detectives recovered a large quantity of suspected cocaine, with the estimated street value placed at over £1.4 million.

Alongside the suspected drugs, officers also seized a sum of cash and electronic items, which are expected to form part of the wider investigation.

The scale of the seizure marks one of the more substantial drugs finds in the area and underlines ongoing concerns around the supply of Class A substances within local communities.

A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply.

He remains in police custody.

Police: ‘significant seizure’ in ongoing investigation

In a statement issued following the operation, a PSNI spokesperson said:

“This significant seizure is the result of ongoing investigations relating to the supply of controlled drugs in the Co Down area. We are actively committed to removing dangerous drugs from our streets while disrupting and arresting those involved in the drugs trade.

“Support from the public is crucial and, with your help, we can focus our efforts on identifying those who make their living and cause so much misery and harm by bringing drugs to our streets and neighbourhoods. Together we can help protect those you care about.”

The statement highlights that the search was not an isolated operation but part of a wider Organised Crime Branch investigation into the movement and supply of drugs in the region.

Continuing focus on organised crime in Co Down

The seizure is likely to be seen as a significant disruption to suspected drug supply routes operating in the Co Down area, with police continuing enquiries into those potentially linked to the recovered drugs, cash and devices.

Electronic items seized during such searches are often subject to forensic examination as investigators work to establish wider networks, communication links and potential supply chains.

The recovery of cash alongside suspected cocaine may also form part of enquiries into suspected proceeds linked to organised criminal activity.

Appeal for public information

PSNI has urged members of the public to continue reporting concerns about drug activity in their communities.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, report online through the PSNI website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have reminded the public that 999 should always be used in an emergency.

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At a glance

• Suspected Class A drugs worth more than £1.4 million seized

• Discovery made in Warrenpoint, Co Down

• House searched in the Mourne Drive area

• Operation carried out on Thursday 16 April

• Search led by PSNI Organised Crime Branch

• Supported by the Tactical Support team

• 53-year-old man arrested

• Also seized: cash and electronic items

• Man held on suspicion of possession with intent to supply

• Investigation into drug supply in Co Down is ongoing