Two arrested in Ballymena following drug seizure and firearm discovery

Police in Ballymena have arrested a 52-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman after a vehicle search in the Doury Road area led to the discovery of suspected Class A drugs late on Monday night.

The arrests, which form part of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) ongoing crackdown on drugs through Operation Dealbreaker, occurred shortly after 11.20pm on Monday, 12 May.

Chief Inspector Tate provided details of the incident, stating:

“Shortly after 11.20pm, officers on duty observed a vehicle parked in an entry way with its lights off, so they initiated a conversation with the driver.

“The male driver became evasive with officers, which prompted them to conduct a vehicle search. This search resulted in a quantity of a suspected Class A drug being located.

“The man was arrested for being in the possession of a Class A drug and with the intent to supply.

“A woman accompanying the man was also arrested at the scene for being concerned in the supply of a suspected Class A drug.”

Following the initial arrests, police carried out further searches of two properties in the Prospect Grove area of Ballymena. These searches uncovered a firearm, a significant sum of cash, and paraphernalia commonly associated with drug dealing.

“At this time, both individuals remain in custody, assisting officers with their enquiries,” Chief Inspector Tate added.

The PSNI have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling drug-related crime through Operation Dealbreaker, an initiative aimed at protecting local communities from the harms of illegal drug supply.

“This vehicle search, arrest and recovery of drugs forms part of Op Dealbreaker, a commitment made by the PSNI to protect our community from drug suppliers, enabling us to actively pursue those involved in drugs criminality,” said Chief Inspector Tate.

Police are urging members of the public to report any suspected drug activity in their communities.

Information can be provided by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports can also be submitted online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.