Police in north Belfast carried out 23 house searches over two weeks in March. Officers seized £90,000 in cash along with 6kg of suspected cannabis, suspected MDMA tablets and £3,000 worth of suspected cannabis oil.

Authorities also took estimated £20,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol believed intended for illegal sale. Two men and a woman in their 30s faced arrest on charges that included possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of criminal property and evading goods excise duty.

A 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman received charges of possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, concealing criminal property, and evading goods excise duty and VAT. Both were due in Belfast Magistrates Court on March 11.

A 34-year-old man was released on bail pending further inquiries. Inspector Matthew Adams stated that police aim to protect communities from drug suppliers through such operations.

He noted that drug abuse places demands on health services. Adams urged reports of suspected drug dealing to the non-emergency line 101 or online at psni.police.uk/report, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

He directed those seeking help for alcohol or drug issues, or affected by others' use, to www.drugsandalcoholni.info for available services.