Around 1kg of suspected class A drugs have been seized in Co Down following a “dangerous” police chase which commenced after a woman reported being assaulted.
A man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of 14 separate offences – including being in possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place – in the early hours of Saturday morning in Newtownards.
The pursuit began after a woman alleged she had been assaulted on a number of occasions in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield by a 30-year-old male who made threats towards her.
Local patrol officers identified the suspect’s vehicle in the area and attempted to stop it.
However it made off while “being driven in a dangerous manner at speed” and a pursuit commenced.
“However this had to be terminated when officers, trained to drive with account for public safety, lost sight of the vehicle in the Ballygowan area,” PSNI Chief Inspector Flanigan.
Officers from two different districts worked together to apprehend the suspect who was spotted in Newtownards a short time later.
“A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 1kg of suspected Class A drugs,” Mr Flanigan said.
“A further search of the man’s home address was commenced, at which our officers seized a quantity of suspected class C drugs and drug-related paraphernalia.
“The man remains in police custody, where he is to be interviewed on suspicion of 14 separate offences, including possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place, aggravated vehicle taking in which the vehicle is driven dangerously and driving with excess alcohol in breath.”
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Chief Inspector Flanigan hailed the operation as “a great example of partnership working by officers across two policing districts”.
“Victims of violent crime should be assured that our officers will not rest until justice is served to those who have hurt them,” he added.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to removing controlled drugs from our streets and investigating those involved in the supply of such drugs.
“I would ask if anyone has any information about suspected drug dealing in their area to call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
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