Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) detectives have seized suspected class A drugs with an estimated street value of £80,000 and a substantial sum of cash and made two arrests during searches in Derry/Londonderry yesterday (Wednesday 27th January) in an operation investigating suspected drugs activity linked to the INLA.
PCTF Detective Inspector Brennan explained four searches were conducted at addresses and premises across the city yesterday, during which two vehicles, one of which is high-end, were also seized.
Detective Inspector Brennan said: "Yesterday afternoon, we conducted a search of premises in the Pennyburn area where we seized what we believe to be a cocaine press.
"We subsequently arrested two men, aged 31 and 48 years old, on suspicion of offences including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, possession of Class A controlled drug and acquiring, converting and possession of criminal property and other drug-related offences. Both men remain in custody assisting us with our enquiries. The two vehicles were seized as a result of this search.
"Last night, at around 9pm, we also seized a large amount of cash and suspected class A drugs with an estimated street value of £80,000 during a search of a house in the cityside area.”
Detective Inspector Brennan added: "These searches conducted yesterday, with assistance from District colleagues, illustrate our determination to tackle drug activity linked to paramilitaries, and reflects our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of our community by removing harmful drugs from our streets.
"We will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those drug criminals using paramilitaritism as a badge of convenience, who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs for their own personal gain and, in some cases, to fund a lavish lifestyle . These drugs cause nothing but harm and distress, not only to the people who take them, but also to their families who deal with the heartbreaking fall out associated with drugs, including death, debt and intimidation.
"We will continue to listen to members of our community and act on any information they provide to us. I would, therefore, appeal to anyone who has information about drug dealing to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/"
Photo caption: Some of the suspected drugs and some of the cash seized yesterday by the PCTF
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.
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