Four charged after drugs raids in the North

Four men were tonight charged with drugs offences in the North following police swoops aimed at disrupting the drugs trade.

A quantity of drugs were seized when officers carried out a series of searches around Ballymena in Co Antrim today as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale, supply and misuse of illegal drugs.

The raids were conducted by local officers supported by PSNI Tactical Support Groups in what has been dubbed the “drugs capital” of Northern Ireland.

Area commander for Ballymena, Chief Inspector Barbara Gray said the searches were carried out in response to local concerns regarding the trade in illegal drugs.

They were part of “an ongoing effort to disrupt and identify those involved in the supply network in Ballymena,” she added.

A 24-year-old has been charged with possession of a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply. He is due to appear at Larne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

A 25-year-old and a 32-year-old were charged with possession of Class C drugs and are due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on January 3.

A 39-year-old man charged with possession of a Class A drug is also due to appear at Ballymena in January 3.

Two men aged 36 and 43 were released on bail pending further inquiries while a 31-year-old man was released pending reports.

A 23-year-old woman was released without charge.