A planned police search in Danesfort Park resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs, ammunition and firearms components, and four people were detained pending investigation
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The Police Service of Northern Ireland conducted a planned search of a residential property in the Danesfort Park area of south Belfast on February 20. The operation, carried out by neighbourhood officers alongside the Tactical Support Unit, resulted in a significant seizure and led to four people being taken into custody.
Items recovered included what officers believe to be Class A, B and C controlled substances, drug-related paraphernalia, cash, suspected ammunition and components related to firearms.
Three men — aged 25, 37 and 55 — plus a 56-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including several drug-related offences, possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances and possessing criminal property.
All four remain in custody as inquiries continue. The operation forms part of a broader policing effort to disrupt illegal supply and protect communities from the harm associated with drug dealing and weapons.
Details of the operation and evidence recovered
The search was described by police as a targeted action following investigative work by local teams. Officers seized a substantial quantity of items, which the PSNI have preliminarily identified as suspected Class A, Class B and Class C drugs. Alongside those substances, authorities recovered paraphernalia commonly linked to distribution and use, a sum of cash, together with suspected ammunition and parts that could form firearm components.
While formal identification and forensic analysis will determine the precise nature and quantity of materials taken from the property, investigators emphasised that removing such items from the streets reduces the immediate risk to neighbourhoods. The presence of suspected weapon parts and ammunition underlines concerns about the interface between organised drug supply and violent crime, an issue police say remains a priority for enforcement teams.
Arrests, charges and custody status
Those detained — the three men and one woman — were arrested on suspicion of offences spanning drug supply, possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances and possession of criminal property. At the time of reporting, all four individuals are held in custody while detectives gather evidence and consider potential charges. Police stressed that such arrests follow procedures designed to preserve evidence and build robust cases for potential prosecution.
What custody means and next steps
Following an arrest, suspects may be questioned and forensic enquiries will proceed; any seized substances will be sent for laboratory testing to establish their classification and purity. The investigation may also involve tracing the origin of cash and examining electronics or written material for links to wider criminal networks. If sufficient evidence is compiled, the Crown prosecution service will determine whether to bring formal charges.
Police appeal to the public and reporting channels
Neighbourhood Team Inspector Róisín Brown and other PSNI representatives reiterated a call for public assistance, stressing that community information is essential to disrupt drug markets. The PSNI asked anyone with concerns or knowledge about drug activity in their area to contact officers on 101, report online via the PSNI website, or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. In emergencies, the force reminded residents to call 999.
Why community reporting matters
Police say actionable tips from neighbours and businesses enable targeted interventions like the Danesfort Park operation. Shared information can help identify those who profit from illicit trade, locate storage addresses, and flag suspicious movements. Inspector Brown highlighted that combined efforts between the public and law enforcement reduce the supply of harmful substances and make neighbourhoods safer.
Local authorities and policing teams will continue to prioritise disrupting supply chains and removing harmful items from circulation. The current investigation remains active and further updates will be provided as inquiries progress and any charges are pursued through the justice system. Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to come forward through the channels provided to support ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related criminality.
