Man Arrested After £8,000 Worth of Suspected Drugs Seized in Cookstown

A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a police operation in Cookstown where suspected ketamine and cocaine worth around £8,000 were seized. The suspect allegedly fled from officers after a vehicle stop before being detained nearby. Police say tackling drug supply remains a top priority in Mid Ulster.

Police in Cookstown have arrested a 23-year-old man after officers seized suspected drugs with an estimated street value of around £8,000 during an operation on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), local District Support Team officers stopped a vehicle on Sweep Road in Cookstown as part of ongoing policing operations targeting drug-related crime across Mid Ulster.

Suspect Allegedly Fled From Police

Police said the man, who was a passenger in the vehicle, exited the car and attempted to flee the scene on foot after the vehicle was stopped.

Officers pursued the suspect before detaining him a short distance away.

Following searches, police recovered quantities of suspected ketamine and cocaine. The substances have an estimated value of approximately £8,000 and will now undergo forensic examination.

A quantity of cash was also seized during the operation.

Man Released on Conditional Bail

The 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and drug supply offences.

He has since been released on conditional bail while police continue examining the seized items and carry out further enquiries.

Police: Drug Supply Fuels Organised Crime

Chief Inspector Ryan McConville said disrupting the supply of illegal drugs remains one of the top policing priorities in Mid Ulster.

He stated that illegal drug activity funds organised crime groups, contributes to violence, and increases exploitation within local communities.

Police also appealed to the public to continue reporting suspicious activity linked to drugs.

Members of the public can contact police on 101 or submit information online through the PSNI Online Reporting Service.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.