Northern Ireland

Cannabis plants and cocaine cutting agent seized in north Belfast

Cannabis plants seized in the Oldpark area of north Belfast. Picture by PSNI
Cannabis plants seized in the Oldpark area of north Belfast. Picture by PSNI Cannabis plants seized in the Oldpark area of north Belfast. Picture by PSNI

CANNABIS plants and a large quantity of benzocaine, a chemical used to cut cocaine, have been seized during searches in north Belfast.

Other drugs paraphernalia were also discovered during three planned raids in the Oldpark area of the city yesterday.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences related to the possession and supply of illegal drugs.

PSNI Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: "As a result of the investigation and searches we have seized cannabis valued at approximately £18k and large quantities of suspected bnzocaine, the principal chemical used for mixing with cocaine.

"If mixed with cocaine this seizure has a potential street value of £6 million.

"This seizure demonstrates our ongoing commitment to removing drugs from our communities and the harm and misery they bring with them."