Police given more time to question men arrested in Coleraine in drugs investigation

Detectives investigating the supply of controlled drugs in the North West have been granted additional time by a court to question two men who were arrested in Coleraine's Hazelbank Road and Pates Lane yesterday.

The men, aged 30 and 48, were arrested by officers from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch.

Police have been allowed another 36 hours to interview the suspects as part of an investigation into a range of illegal drugs supply offences.

A number of properties were also searched in Coleraine yesterday.

In a statement released on December 6, Detective Inspector Tom McClure from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch said: “Today’s enforcement activity is the latest phase of an ongoing operation following seizures of cocaine over the past year worth an estimated £600,000 in Belfast and at Nutts Corner.

“A total of eight arrests have been made over recent months following these seizures and five men have been charged with a variety of drugs offences.

“In today’s searches we have seized mobile phones, SIM cards, walkie talkies, cash and a small quantity of cannabis.

“We believe an organised crime group has been operating in the Coleraine area and spreading its reach to other parts of the country including Derry and Claudy.

“We are aware of community concerns about illegal drugs.

“We share those concerns and are continuing with a phased sequence of investigative and enforcement activity to address the issues raised by local people.

“This investigation will continue for some time.”