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Two arrested as drugs and goods recovered during searches across the north by PSNI's Organised Crime Branch

Some of the items recovered by police during searches across the north on Wednesday by the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch. Picture: PSNI
Some of the items recovered by police during searches across the north on Wednesday by the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch. Picture: PSNI Some of the items recovered by police during searches across the north on Wednesday by the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch. Picture: PSNI

TWO men have been arrested by police following searches across the north by members of the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch that uncovered a quantity of suspected drugs and high-value goods including jewellery.

A 32-year-old man was detained on suspicion of offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, possession of a Class A controlled drug and possessing criminal property.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

Both men remained in custody on Wednesday night.

The searches occurred in Belfast; Newry, Mourne and Down; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon and the Antrim and Newtownabbey areas.

A PSNI spokesperson said the searches were part of a proactive policing operation.

"As a result, suspected Class A drugs and a number of other items, including cash, five high value watches, designer handbags and shoes with estimated value of over £90,000 were seized," they said.

"The jewellery forfeited shows our ongoing commitment to pursuing proceeds of crime generated from the criminal activities of criminal groupings. The public have specifically asked us to pursue the finances generated by criminal groups and we will explore every avenue in order to do so. This money will now be put to good use in providing assistance to local initiatives and other worthwhile causes."