Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Criminal Investigation Branch working alongside The Metropolitan Police Service have today (Thursday 25th March) arrested a man and carried out a search in the East Belfast area as part of the National Crime Agency-led operation, Operation Venetic.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: “Detectives from Criminal Investigation Branch’s Organised Crime Unit continue to play their part in the UK’s biggest law enforcement operation against serious and organised criminality.

“As part of this, officers carried out a search in East Belfast today, where police recovered approximately £40,000 in cash and a significant quantity of suspected Class B drugs with an estimated street value of £20,000.

“A 21-year-old man was arrested as part of the operation on suspicion of Conspiring to supply Class A drugs, Conspiring to Possess a Firearm, Possession of a Class B Controlled Drug and Possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

“He has been taken to custody where he is being questioned by detectives and remains in custody.”

“This is an example of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of Organised Crime Gangs.  

“We recognise the harm caused in our communities as a result of organised crime and we will continue to keep people safe from this activity.

“Anyone with information about any criminality should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, which gives people the power to speak up and stop crime and help us keep your community safe.

“You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

“Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”