Two arrested after suspected drugs and knife incidents during Ballymena patrols

Police in Ballymena have arrested two men during separate overnight incidents linked to suspected drugs offences, dangerous driving, and the recovery of a knife.

The arrests were made during the early hours of Friday, June 5, following patrols by officers in the town.

One of the incidents began after police observed a car being driven erratically on the Antrim Road shortly after 1am, while a second unfolded less than two hours later in the Crebilly Road area when a man allegedly attempted to flee from officers on foot.

The incidents come amid ongoing PSNI efforts to tackle drugs activity and anti-social behaviour across local communities.

Erratic driving led officers to suspected drugs discovery

According to Sergeant Allen, officers were conducting mobile patrols in Ballymena when they spotted a vehicle being driven in an unsafe manner on the Antrim Road.

Police followed the vehicle for a short time before signalling for it to stop.

Sergeant Allen said the driver appeared unsteady on his feet after exiting the vehicle.

During a search, officers recovered a small quantity of suspected Class B drugs from the man’s jacket. A further search of the vehicle uncovered a quantity of suspected Class A drugs.

The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of driving offences, as well as possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Second arrest after man allegedly produced knife

In a separate incident at approximately 2.50am, officers on patrol in the Crebilly Road area noticed a man walking along a footpath carrying a plastic bag.

Police said the man made off on foot as officers approached him.

Before being detained a short time later, the man allegedly produced a knife.

Following a search, officers recovered small amounts of suspected Class B and Class C controlled drugs.

The 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of:

• Possession of a Class B controlled drug

• Possession of a Class C controlled drug

• Possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place

Police said enquiries into both incidents are continuing and all items recovered will now undergo forensic examination.

Police appeal for information from public

The PSNI has urged anyone with concerns or information relating to drugs activity in the Ballymena area to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or submit a report online using the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The latest arrests form part of ongoing policing activity targeting suspected drugs offences and public safety concerns across the Ballymena area.