A 48-year-old man has been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B controlled drug, cultivating cannabis, possession of a Class A controlled drug, postal operator interfering with mail and theft.
The arrest and charges follow the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of £225,000 in a search at a property by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force in the Harryville area of Ballymena on Saturday, 10th February.
Commenting on Saturday, Detective Inspector Phelan said:
“Officers carried out a search at a property in the Harryville area of Ballymena as part of an ongoing investigation into drugs criminality linked to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
"A number of items have been seized including a large quantity of controlled drugs, electronic devices and suspected stolen property. They have been taken away for further forensic examination.
“A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply, cultivating cannabis and theft. He is currently in police custody at this time.
“The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to seize and remove dangerous and harmful drugs from the streets, whilst also disrupting paramilitary finance streams linked to the sale of these drugs.
"I would ask anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 and assist us in our efforts to make this country a safer place for all."
The man is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday, 12th February. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.