The number of drug seizure incidents and drug-related arrests recorded by the police showed a mainly upwards trend between 2006/07 and 2020/21. Figures for the latest 12 months show an increase in drug seizure incidents and a fall in drug-related arrests. In 12 months from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021:

• There were 8,778 drug seizure incidents, an increase of 567 (6.9 per cent) on the previous 12 months.
• There were higher numbers of Class A, Class B and Class C drug seizure incidents.
• Cannabis (Class B) was the most commonly seized drug, followed by cocaine (Class A) and benzodiazepines (Class C).
• Six policing districts showed an increase in drug seizure incidents.
• There were 3,199 drug-related arrests, a decrease of 213 (6.2 per cent) when compared with the previous 12 months.
• Nine policing districts showed a decrease in drug-related arrests, with Causeway Coast and Glens showing the  largest fall.