Detectives quiz men over cocaine seizure

Detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch have seized suspected high purity cocaine along with a very large quantity of benzocaine which can be used as a mixing agent to increase the amount of cocaine available for sale.

The cocaine would have a minimum street value of £60,000 but this would increase greatly after bulking for sale on the street.

Detectives arrested two men, aged 25 and 30, in Belfast city centre on Monday evening as part of a joint operation between PSNI Reactive and Organised Crime Branch and An Garda Siochana National Drugs Unit.

The men were on Wednesday still being questioned at Musgrave police station.

A number of searches have taken place in Belfast, Coleraine, Portstewart and Londonderry as part of the operation.

A 20-year-old woman arrested as part of the operation has been released unconditionally and a 37-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Alan Pyper said: “These arrests are part of a pro-active investigation into the illegal drugs supply in Northern Ireland.

“I am delighted that we have taken these drugs out of circulation, reducing the potential harm to individuals and communities.

“We will continue to work with communities and act on information about illegal drugs.

“Support from the community is vital in this and I would encourage anyone with information about drug dealing, supply or importation to get in touch with us on 101.

“With your help, we can continue to keep people safe.”