Crime: Police carry out significant proactive operation targeting serious and organised crime

Chief Inspector McIldowney said: “This was a significant planned policing operation by local Police supported by specially trained officers, including the use of the BearCat, our armoured tactical vehicle.

“During the searches a large quantity of suspected Class A, B and C drugs with an estimated combined street value in excess of £145,000 were seized. We believe these illegal drugs were destined for the streets of Causeway Coast and Glens.

“A number of items were also seized and taken away for further examination including some suspected dangerous weapons.

“Not only have we thwarted the activities of those that coerce and exploit our communities for significant harm but your local Police teams seized in the region of £40,000 in cash.

“Tackling the supply of drugs and trafficking remains a priority for our district and these searches and significant seizures demonstrate our commitment to disrupting criminals that profit from the proceeds of these crimes.

“Drugs supply and misuse is a vicious cycle and we remain determined to remove harmful drugs from our streets and to remove money and assets from those who trade in such drugs.

“It’s crucial that any suspected illicit activity is flagged so that action can be taken, and I’m appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/