West Belfast man arrested following suspected Class A drugs seizure
West Belfast drugs seizure: A man in his 20s has been arrested following a suspected Class A drugs seizure in west Belfast, after police carried out searches of a vehicle and a property during a proactive policing operation.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the operation took place on Monday 12 October 2026, with officers recovering suspected controlled drugs and other items.
The man was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and possession with intent to supply. He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
West Belfast drugs seizure follows vehicle search
According to police, officers were carrying out a proactive operation in the Hamill Street area of west Belfast on Monday afternoon.
Inspector McCann said that at approximately 4.10pm, a red Audi Q3 was observed in the area.
The vehicle was subsequently stopped at Institution Place, where officers conducted a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
During the search, police recovered a quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs, along with other items.
The PSNI has not specified the type of suspected drugs recovered from the vehicle or provided an estimated value for that particular seizure.
Further suspected Class A drugs recovered from property
Following the vehicle search, officers carried out a further search at a property in the Glenkeen area.
Police confirmed that a quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs, with an estimated street value of approximately £2,000, was seized from the property.
Other items were also recovered during the search.
The PSNI has not provided further details about those items or confirmed the precise quantity or type of suspected drugs involved.
The driver of the Audi Q3, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A controlled drugs and possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply.
He was subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.
No charges have been announced in connection with the investigation.
PSNI urges public to report suspected drug activity
Inspector McCann said the operation demonstrated the PSNI’s commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drug use and supply in local communities.
Police confirmed that their enquiries remain ongoing and appealed for information from anyone who may have knowledge of suspected drug-related activity.
The PSNI continues to encourage residents to report concerns about the possession, distribution or supply of illegal drugs.
Information provided by members of the public can assist officers in identifying suspected criminal activity and conducting further investigations.
How to report suspected drug dealing
Anyone with information about suspected illegal drug use or supply can contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
Reports can also be submitted through the PSNI’s online reporting service.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have not announced any further arrests in connection with the west Belfast operation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
External link: PSNI – Man arrested following West Belfast search (13 October 2026)