ANTRIM HEROIN HAUL SEIZED

POLICE in Antrim recovered heroin with a street value of pounds 3,500 in
the first seizure of the drug in the area.

The seizure was made last night as part of a drugs operation in the
Ballymena and Antrim areas.

The haul was found during a search of waste ground at Loughanmore Road in
Antrim town.

There were no arrests.

Detectives hailed the find as a significant step in their battle against
the drugs trade in the Co Antrim area.

In a separate incident, police carried out searches of two addresses in the
Ballycraigy estate.

A quantity of drugs, including heroin, Ecstasy and cannabis was discovered
with a street value of pounds 550.

Two men were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Both were bailed to
appear before Antirm Magistrates' Court on August 25.

Earlier this week, nine people appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court
charged in relation to the RUC's heroin crackdown.

As part of the covert operation, codenamed Patsy, drug squad officers
swooped on a number of addresses in Ballymena.

Meanwhile, a 51-year-old man is due to appear today before a special
sitting of North Antrim Magistrates' Court today on drugs charges.

He faces charges of possession and intent to supply Class A drugs.

The charges relate to a seizure of Ecstasy at a house in Coleraine yesterday.