Police chief issues a warning after weekend crackdown

Superintendent Sean Wright, Commander for Lisburn and Castlereagh City said: “Over the weekend, police in Lisburn worked hard to keep you safe, arresting drivers suspected to be under the influence of drink or drugs, and seizing drugs.

“On Saturday night (May 30) officers arrested four people on suspicion of possession of class B drugs.

“Later that same evening police stopped a car and found a small amount of cannabis. The driver was arrested.

“At 9.40pm officers responded to a report from hospital that a man had taken a drugs overdose.

“He was treated by staff; however follow up enquiries led police to arrest a female for possession of class A and class B drugs.

“The following morning, a man was arrested as part of this enquiry. A car was also seized.

“At two minutes past midnight on May 31, a police patrol came across a road traffic collision.

“I am glad to say the driver wasn’t hurt, however following a breath test, he was arrested.

“An hour and a half later, a concerned member of the public called police as there was some suspicion that a drunk driver was nearby.

“I want to personally thank that member of the public, because due to their phone call, we were able to find the vehicle and arrest the driver before they caused a collision and put their life and the lives of others in danger.

“At 8am on Sunday morning a missing person was reported to Lisburn police and we commenced a search. During the course of our investigations we located a cannabis factory and a large amount of suspected cocaine.

“One male has since been arrested on suspicion of a number of drugs offences.

“These successes come about through professionalism, dedication and through engagement with our communities.

“These are serious offences. Drink driving leads to death and serious injury. Drugs misuse has the potential to bring misery to addicts, their friends and families.

“I want to assure this community that the PSNI will continue this hard work to keep people safe.“