21-year-old man charged following drugs raid in east Belfast

By Q Radio News

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and £40,000 in cash seized from a property in east Belfast as part of Operation Venetic. 

PSNI and Metropolitan Police officers carried out a search in the city earlier following the the National Crime Agency’s crackdown on crime gangs. 

A significant quantity of suspected Class B drugs with a street value of £20,000 was also recovered. 

The suspect is also accused of conspiring to possess a firearm, being in  possession of a Class B Controlled Drug, possession of a Class B Controlled Drug with intent to supply and possession of fireworks without a licence.

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 22nd April.

As is usual procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: “Detectives from Criminal Investigation Branch’s Organised Crime Unit continue to play their part in the UK’s biggest law enforcement operation against serious and organised criminality. 

“As part of this, officers carried out a search in east Belfast today, where police recovered approximately £40,000 in cash and a significant quantity of suspected Class B drugs with an estimated street value of £20,000.

“A 21-year-old man was arrested as part of the operation on suspicion of Conspiring to supply Class A drugs, Conspiring to Possess a Firearm, Possession of a Class B Controlled Drug and Possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply. 

 DI Corrigan said the it demonstrates the ongoing commitment of police to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. 

“Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of Organised Crime Gangs.  
“We recognise the harm caused in our communities as a result of organised crime and we will continue to keep people safe from this activity.

“Anyone with information about any criminality should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”