A 34 year old man has been charged with possession of a class A controlled drug, possessing a class A controlled drug with intent to supply, possessing criminal property and converting criminal property.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court later this morning, Monday 22 January. 

The charges are in connection with the seizure of £20,000 of suspected Class A drugs and a quantity of cash during a planned search of a property in the McDonnell Street area of west Belfast yesterday morning, Sunday 21 January.

The search was carried out by the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit assisted by officers from the Tactical Support Group.

Detective Inspector Pete Mullan of the OCU: “We will continue to proactively tackle the issue of illegal drugs.

“We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent the supply of drugs and arrest those involved while at the same time making people aware of the real danger posed to their health and their lives if they take illegal or controlled drugs.

“The profit made from the supply of illegal drugs funds organised crime which brings harm to individuals and destroys communities. I would encourage people to ‘think before they buy’.

“I would appeal to anyone who is aware of any individual involved in the supply of drugs to contact their local police on 101.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”