Police in Northern Ireland arrested five men and seized £1.1 million worth of cocaine alongside £15,000 in cannabis during a two-day operation targeting organised crime in the Greater Belfast area, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Detectives from the PSNI’s organised crime branch recovered 14 kilograms of cocaine during the raids, which concluded with the custody of suspects aged between 26 and 59 on suspicion of offences including possession of Class A and B controlled drugs with intent to supply.
PSNI Details Belfast Drug Seizure and Arrests
The operation targeted underground networks operating across the Greater Belfast region, according to police statements reported by RTE.ie and the Belfast Telegraph. Officers seized 14kg of cocaine valued at approximately £1.1m, alongside cannabis carrying an estimated street value of £15,000. Five men ranging in age from 26 to 59 remain in police custody while detectives continue their investigation into the local network, as noted by The Irish News.
Impact on Local Communities
PSNI Detective Inspector Miskelly stated that families across Belfast reject the destruction caused by narcotics among young people. “We know that drugs bring harm and control into communities, and only benefit those lining their pockets at the expense of others and the wider community,” Det Insp Miskelly said, as cited in regional reporting. Authorities warned individuals contemplating involvement in illegal supply chains that enforcement teams will continue identifying suspects, executing arrests, and bringing offenders before the courts.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeals
Investigators confirmed that all five suspects remain detained as inquiries progress. Police urged anyone possessing details regarding suspected drug dealing operations in their neighborhoods to contact the non-emergency telephone number 101, allowing local law enforcement to gather further intelligence on regional distribution networks.
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