Four arrests as drugs with an estimated street value of £50,000 seized in Derry

Four people were arrested and suspected drugs with an estimated street value of £50,000 were seized during a proactive police operation in Derry last night, Wednesday 17th May.

The arrests and seizure of suspected Class B drugs (cannabis) were made by the Paramilitary Crime Task Taskforce (PCTF) and Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch. £20,000 in cash was also seized during the operation.  

Two men, both aged 36-years-old, and a 38-year-old man remain in custody at this time. A 56-year-old woman arrested has been released on police bail to allow for further police enquiries.

PCTF Detective Inspector Phelan said the searches and arrests are part on an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to the North West Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). 

"Police are committed to tackling the scourge of drugs in our communities, and we will continue to proactively investigate and carry out searches linked to the drugs trade and identify those involved in this illegal activity," said Detective Inspector Phelan. 

“We have seen how the sale, supply and consumption of illegal drugs ruins lives, can devastate families and communities. The criminals involved don’t care about the wider impact their drug dealing will have on the wider community and public services. All they care about is lining their own pockets. 

"We are determined to disrupt their criminal activity and anyone involved in the drugs trade. Anyone tempted to become involved in illegal drugs should be under no illusion; we will seek to identify them, arrest them and place them before the courts."

Detective Inspector Phelan added: "We urge anyone with information about suspected drug dealing in their area to call us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."