Rise in drug seizures and arrests recorded

Date published: 14 May 2026

New provisional statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) present police recorded drug seizures and arrests in Northern Ireland for the 12 months to 31 March 2026.

Key findings

In the 12 months from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:

• There were 7,471 drug seizure incidents. This is an increase of 520 (7.5 per cent) compared with the previous 12 months.
• The number of drug seizure incidents has almost tripled since 2006/07, when 2,590 incidents were recorded. The current level remains 16 per cent below the peak of 8,933 incidents recorded in 2022/23.
• Cannabis (Class B) was the most commonly seized drug, followed by cocaine (Class A) and pregabalin (Class C). 
• Seizures of Class A and Class B drugs increased compared with the previous year, while Class C seizures fell slightly.
• Belfast City accounted for around three in ten (32 per cent) of all drug seizure incidents across Northern Ireland. Six of the eleven policing districts recorded an increase in seizures.
• There were 3,170 drug-related arrests, an increase of 42 (1.3 per cent) when compared with the previous 12 months. 

About this publication

This publication offers a summary of police recorded drug seizures and arrests in Northern Ireland up to 31 March 2026. Comparisons are made with previous years where applicable. 

Further information

Read the full report, data tables and background information: Drug Seizure Statistics | PSNI