Teenager released on bail after suspected ketamine seized during Magherafelt car stop

Suspected drugs seized by police following a patrol stop of a vehicle in Magherafelt.

Saturday 24 October 2026

An 18-year-old man arrested after police discovered suspected Class A drugs during a vehicle stop in Magherafelt has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The teenager was a passenger in a Volkswagen Golf stopped by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers on proactive mobile patrol in the Highfield Road area at approximately 12.20am on Friday 23 October.

Officers reported noticing a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, prompting a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Suspected ketamine seized during search

During the search, police discovered quantities of a substance believed to be ketamine, contained in what officers described as ‘deal bags’. The suspected drugs were seized.

The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and taken into police custody.

In an update issued on Friday evening, police confirmed that the teenager had been released on bail to allow further enquiries to take place.

Police appeal for information

The PSNI has confirmed that its investigation remains ongoing and is appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Anyone who can assist officers is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 26 of 23/10/26.

The teenager has not been charged, and police enquiries into the suspected drugs seizure are continuing.