Police in Northern Ireland seized drugs worth more than £1 million and arrested five men following an operation into “drugs criminality in the Greater Belfast area” over the last two days, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Officers from the PSNI’s organised crime unit recovered 14kg of cocaine valued at approximately £1.1m, alongside cannabis worth £15,000 on the street.
PSNI Seizes £1.1m Cocaine in Greater Belfast Operation
Following a recent two-day operation into “drugs criminality in the Greater Belfast area”, the PSNI reported that officers recovered 14kg of cocaine valued at around £1.1m, in addition to cannabis with a street value of £15,000. As reported by Belfast Media, approximately 14kg of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £1,120,000 and a quantity of suspected herbal cannabis, worth approximately £15,000 were seized. A separate search yielded a quantity of suspected herbal cannabis valued at approximately £15,000.
Five men, aged between 26 and 59, were arrested on suspicion of several offences. All five individuals remain in police custody facing allegations including possession of Class A and B controlled drugs with intent to supply, and the PSNI said that investigations are ongoing.
Community Impact and Police Warning
According to the PSNI’s Detective Inspector Miskelly, families in Belfast do not want to see the lives of young people “blighted by drugs”. “Families across Belfast do not want to see the lives of their young people and loved ones blighted by drugs,” Det Insp Miskelly stated, as reported by Belfast Media.
Did you know?
The PSNI’s organised crime branch utilizes the non-emergency number 101 for members of the public to appeal to anyone with any information about suspected drug dealing in their area.
Det Insp Miskelly issued a direct warning to individuals considering involvement in regional trafficking rings, noting that investigators will actively identify suspects, execute arrests, and bring them before the courts.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeals
Investigations into the Greater Belfast seizure remain active as detectives question the suspects in custody. Authorities have urged residents to assist ongoing police efforts by reporting suspicious activities. Anyone possessing details regarding local drug distribution is encouraged to contact the PSNI via the non-emergency number 101.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of the drugs seized by the PSNI?
Police seized drugs worth more than £1 million, including 14kg of cocaine estimated to be worth £1.1m (or approximately £1,120,000 as reported by Belfast Media) and cannabis with a street value of £15,000.
How many arrests were made during the Belfast operation?
What specific charges or suspicions are the men facing?
Allegations against the individuals taken into custody involve multiple counts, such as holding Class A and B controlled substances with intent to supply.
How can citizens report suspected drug dealing in Northern Ireland?
Residents can report suspected illegal drug activity to the PSNI by calling the non-emergency number 101.
Join the Conversation
What measures do you think are most effective in keeping local communities safe from illegal drug criminality? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more of our regional crime reporting.
Related reading