Three arrested in North Antrim as PSNI targets postal drug trafficking

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Organised Crime Branch have arrested three men during a series of searches carried out in Ballymoney and Coleraine on Monday, 12 May.

The operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal importation and distribution of controlled drugs via the postal system.

The arrests are a significant step in what has previously been described as a concerted crackdown on organised crime gangs operating in Northern Ireland.

The men, aged 28, 29, and 38, remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Moore confirmed the charges, stating:

“The men, aged 28, 29 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply a class B drug and importation of a class B drug and are all currently in custody. A number of mobile phones, electronic devices, a suspected prohibited weapon and quantities of class A, B & C drugs were also recovered.”

The scale of the items seized points to the potential extent of the operation, with investigators focusing on how controlled substances are being brought into Northern Ireland using conventional postal routes.

Detective Sergeant Moore further commented:

“Our enquiries into the importation of controlled drugs through the postal system by an Organised Crime Gang will continue. I would ask anyone with any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101.

“A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

The PSNI continues to urge the public to come forward with any information relating to drug activity. Anonymous tips through Crimestoppers remain an important avenue for intelligence gathering and community involvement.

For more information or to report illegal activity, visit the PSNI’s official website or contact Crimestoppers confidentially.