A 53-year-old man is due to appear in court today, Friday 17 April, after detectives seized Class A drugs with an estimated street value of more than £1.4 million in Warrenpoint.

The arrest and subsequent charges follow an operation conducted on Thursday 16 April, by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch, supported by the Tactical Support team. During a search of a house in the Mourne Drive area, officers recovered a large quantity of suspected cocaine, along with a sum of cash and various electronic items.

The man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply. He has since been charged with a number of offences, including possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug. He is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates' Court on Friday morning, and all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service in line with standard procedure. Commenting on the operation, a police spokesperson stated: "This significant seizure is the result of ongoing investigations relating to the supply of controlled drugs in the Co Down area. We are actively committed to removing dangerous drugs from our streets while disrupting and arresting those involved in the drugs trade."

The PSNI has reiterated the importance of community cooperation in tackling the drugs trade.

The spokesperson added: "Support from the public is crucial and, with your help, we can focus our efforts on identifying those who make their living and cause so much misery and harm by bringing drugs to our streets and neighbourhoods. Together we can help protect those you care about."

The police are urging anyone with information or concerns regarding drug activity in their area to come forward. Reports can be made by calling 101, online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. In an emergency, members of the public should always dial 999.