Northern Ireland

Drugs seized in Newtownards in searches targeting UDA

The searches of business premises were carried out in the Newtownards area
The searches of business premises were carried out in the Newtownards area The searches of business premises were carried out in the Newtownards area

POLICE have seized "a large quantity" of drugs with a potential street value of £100,000 in searches targeting the South-East Antrim UDA.

Cocaine, herbal cannabis and mixing agent were uncovered following the searches of business premises on Monday afternoon in the Newtownards area.

A man aged in his forties was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs, possession with intent to supply, and being concerned in the production and supply of Class A drugs.

He was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The operation was carried out by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) and Ards and North Down officers.

Detective inspector Lynne Knox from PCTF said: "Following a proactive policing operation targeting drugs criminality believed to be linked to the South East Antrim UDA, officers carried out a number of searches resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of suspected herbal cannabis and cocaine.

"A quantity of mixing agent was also seized and if mixed with cocaine, the overall seizure has a potential street value of £100,000.

"We are committed to tackling the issue of drugs and I would appeal to the public to speak to us if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their communities."