Inspector Andrew McConville from Antrim Road District Support Team said: “Over the last couple of weeks, our local District Support Team has dealt with a wide range of incidents, ranging from theft to serious drug-related offences.

“We have brought people before the courts, seized quantities of suspected heroin and cocaine and have dealt with numerous other offences.

“I realise that drugs are a major area of concern for members of the community and I would like to reassure everyone that police remain fully committed to tackling the scourge of drugs. Drugs do nothing but bring misery to individuals, their families and the wider community. Those responsible care only about their own financial gain, without a second thought for those whose lives are ruined or lost. Families, and indeed communities, are the ones left to deal with the sorrow and pick up the pieces.

“Our officers have been relentless in their pursuit of persons involved in criminality specifically drugs. As one of the key performance indicators of the local Policing Plan, trust and support has been placed in our officers by the local community to tackle the issue of drugs. This issue is evidently a priority for police, who will continue to conduct robust investigations to bring those responsible before the courts.

Inspector McConville continued: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information about criminality to contact police. I would like to reassure everyone in the community that we will investigate reports of crime fairly and proportionately, and where there is evidence bring this before the courts.

“Officers from your local District Support Team, working with our partners and communities, are committed to tackling criminality. We will continue to listen to communities and act on information they provide, so I would encourage members of the public with information regarding drug dealing and any form of criminality to call us on 101.”

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that will assist the investigation to contact us on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.