PSNI makes one of its largest ever psychoactive drug seizures

By Adam Evans

Detectives have made one of Northern Ireland's largest ever drug seizures.

Over the last two days more than £800,000 worth of psychoactive substances were found during searches in Portadown and Lurgan.

Yesterday officers raided a home in Portadown.

They arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of a number of drug offences and he's been released on bail as investigations continue.

The service says a further search is also being conducted at business premises in the Charles Street area of Lurgan.

Detective Inspector Pete Mullan said: “These seizures amount to one of the largest in Northern Ireland and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to removing drugs from our communities and the harm and misery they bring with them. 

“Recently a barrel containing a large quantity of suspected new psychoactive substances was seized as part of ongoing work carried out by the PSNI’s Organised Crime Units and Border Force. The barrel was to be delivered to an address in Northern Ireland and yesterday detectives from Criminal Investigation Branch visited that address and arrested a man.

“This was a significant seizure of approximately £400,000 worth of a suspected psychoactive. We also uncovered a number of unknown substances and they will be examined by specially trained officers after being removed for further examination. Today we also seized a further £400,000 of suspected psychoactive substances as well as other tablets and equipment linked with drugs.

“We will continue with proactive investigations and enforcement work but the drugs problem cannot be solved by police alone. We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent the supply of drugs and arrest those involved while at the same time making people aware of the real dangers they pose to their health and their lives if they take illegal or controlled drugs. The profit made from the supply of illegal drugs funds organised crime which brings harm to individuals and destroys communities. I would encourage people to ‘think before they buy’.

“I would ask anyone who is aware of any individual involved in the supply of drugs to contact their local police on 101. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."