NI man, 31, suspected of using position in haulage firm to import class A drugs, say NCA

A 31-year-old man suspected of importing Class A drugs through his position at a Co Armagh haulage firm has been arrested as part of a swoop by the National Crime Agency.
By Niall Deeney
Published 29th Jul 2021, 12:50 BST

The arrest, at Brookfield Avenue in Banbridge on Wednesday morning, is linked to the takedown of the encrypted communications platform ‘EncroChat’ last year in a Europe-wide investigation, a spokesperson for the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

“Officers arrested the man after obtaining evidence from Operation Venetic – the UK’s law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted communications platform EncroChat last year,” the spokesperson said.

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“It is suspected that the man may have played a role in importing class A drugs into the UK from mainland Europe, through his position at a haulage firm based in Armagh.

“His arrest is also linked to a number of other arrests throughout the UK in the last twelve months. All those arrested are suspected to have played a role within the same organised crime group.”

The man was taken to Carlisle police station, where he remained on Thursday for questioning.

NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said investigations continue.