Two arrested after police seize suspected drugs worth more than £50,000 in Causeway Coast searches

Two men have been arrested after police carried out coordinated searches at eight properties across Portrush and Portstewart, recovering suspected drugs with an estimated street value of more than £50,000.

The planned operation took place on Thursday morning, 16 July, as part of an ongoing Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation into the suspected supply of illegal drugs in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

Suspected drugs, cash and paraphernalia seized

Police said officers searched eight addresses in the two towns, where they seized suspected Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value exceeding £50,000.

Officers also recovered a large quantity of suspected Class B cannabis edibles, drugs-related paraphernalia and a quantity of cash. All of the items have been removed for forensic examination as enquiries continue.

Two men arrested

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, and possessing criminal property.

He remains in police custody.

A second man, aged 40, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug, and possessing criminal property.

He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Police: Operation demonstrates commitment to tackling drug supply

Superintendent Yvonne McManus said the operation formed part of an ongoing effort to disrupt the illegal drugs trade in the area.

“Searches were conducted at eight addresses across Portrush and Portstewart this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of illegal drugs in the local area.

“As a result of the searches, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs were seized, with an estimated street value of more than £50,000. Officers also seized a large quantity of suspected Class B edibles, along with drugs-related paraphernalia and a quantity of cash.”

She praised the officers involved in the operation, which included the Causeway Coast and Glens District Support Team, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Tactical Support Group, North Area District Support Team and the PSNI Dog Unit.

“This was extremely good work from those involved and demonstrates our commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drug use and supply in our communities.”

Investigation continues

Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and appealed for anyone with information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to come forward.

As with all criminal investigations, the arrests do not imply guilt. Any charges arising from the investigation would be considered by the Public Prosecution Service, and those arrested are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty in court.