Man Charged After Seizure of £300,000 Haul Of Cocaine

POLICE in Downpatrick have charged a 29-year old man with possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and possessing a medicinal product without prescription. He was due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates Court this morning, Wednesday 2 October. As is normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the PPS. [caption id="attachment_36040" align="alignleft" width="300"]Down Area Commander Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones has welcomed the drugs seizure and subsequent arrest. Down Area Commander Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones has welcomed the drugs seizure and subsequent arrest.[/caption]
The charges are believed to be in connection with the search of a vehicle and a property in the Castlewellan and Downpatrick areas yesterday, Tuesday 1 October when an estimated £300,000 of suspected cocaine was recovered.
Commenting on the case, Area Commander Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones said: “This seizure has taken these drugs off our streets and made our communities safer. It underlines our commitment to tackling the issue of illegal drugs in the Down area. “As a main priority in the Down area, my officers and I have been working with the local community to tackle the issue of drug supply and distribution.
“There can be no place for illegal drugs in our communities. This is an indication of our commitment to removing drugs from circulation. Through seizures of this nature, we are reducing the harm that is caused to the community. [caption id="attachment_38647" align="alignright" width="250"]Councillor Willie Clarke Chairman of the PCSP engagement committee has met with Down Road residents in Newcastle. Councillor Willie Clarke, Chairman of the PCSP, said we all have a part to play in reporting drugs offenders to eradicate their use in the district.[/caption] “The misery drugs can cause to communities, to families, to those who get involved in drugs cannot be measured. My officers continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in the sale and supply of drugs in an effort to bring these individuals before the courts and work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity. “I would ask anyone who has any information to contact Police on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Down District Councillor Willie Clarke, Chairman of Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), welcomed this latest development and praised the efforts of the PSNI in continuing to address the issue of drugs in our area.
He said: ” We all have a part to play in reporting our concerns so that the PSNI can respond effectively to eradicate this scourge from society. The PCSP continue to work in partnership with local communities and the PSNI towards a common goal of making Down District a safer place to live, work and visit.
“On this occasion I would like to commend local PSNI Officers whose hard work and ongoing determination have resulted in this substantial seizure.”
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