Key suspects in North West drug supplies arrested

Two key suspects involved in Drug Supplies in the North West have been arrested in Coleraine.

The 48 and 30 year old suspects were detained in the Hazelbank Road and Pates Lane areas earlier. 

Its the latest phase of an operation into the discovery of around £600,000 worth of cocaine in Belfast and at Nutts Corner over the past year. 

Eight arrests have been made and a number of items have been seized including mobile phones, walkie talkies and cash. 

Five people have been charged with drugs related offences. 

Detective Inspector Tom McClure said: “Today’s enforcement activity is the latest phase of an ongoing operation following seizures of cocaine over the past year worth an estimated £600,000 in Belfast and at Nutts Corner.

“We believe an organised crime group has been operating in the Coleraine area and spreading its reach to other parts of the country including Derry and Claudy.

"We are aware of community concerns about illegal drugs. We share those concerns and are continuing with a phased sequence of investigative and enforcement activity to address the issues raised by local people. This investigation will continue for some time.”