Police seize more than £500,000 worth of drugs in Christmas crime crackdown

Police seized more than £500,000 of illegal drugs during a major Christmas crackdown on crime.

The PSNI conducted more than 13,000 patrols across Northern Ireland over the holiday period, including the patrolling of transport hubs, town centres and retail hubs.

Operation Season's Greetings ran from November 17, 2022, to January 2 ,and saw dedicated resources deployed across all districts in Northern Ireland focusing on public safety.

As part of the operation, 675 seizures took place for illegal drugs with a street value of £588,580 and 188 related arrests were made.

Across Northern Ireland, 122 offensive weapons were seized with 69 arrests made and 338 arrests were also made for violence against the person offences.

In relation to road safety, the number of fatalities during this period was 11.

Retail crime was a key focus for the operation and 200 arrests were made in relation to retail theft and associated offences and 55 arrests were also made for burglary.

Chief Superintendent Davy Beck, tactical commander of the campaign, said: "The aim of Operation Season's Greetings was to enhance the safety of the people of Northern Ireland over the Christmas period.

"Police officers conducted proactive patrols and worked closely with local businesses, licensed premises and our partners in public transport to deliver safe streets, safe roads and safe homes.

"I would like to thank all of those who worked with us, listened to our messaging and supported our efforts throughout Operation Season's Greetings.

"We will continue to work with all our partners, stakeholders and the public to build safer communities together and encourage everyone to report crime to us."