Anti-UVF operation nets suspected drugs and cutting agent with man charged with narcotics and firearms offences

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating suspected drug criminality linked to east Belfast UVF have raided a number of properties in Dundonald.
By Adam Kula
Published 21st Jun 2020, 11:00 BST
Updated 21st Jun 2020, 14:34 BST
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th October 2015 UVF mural on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyePress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th October 2015 UVF mural on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th October 2015 UVF mural on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

A quantity of suspected class A, B and C controlled drugs, cutting agent, bags, and scales – and a significant amount of cash – were seized.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of various drugs offences.

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Two women are to be reported to the PPS on suspicion of drugs offences.

The PSNI said: “Today’s operation is evidence that the task force will continue to investigate all aspects of criminality being carried out by anyone purporting to be operating under the convenient flag of a paramilitary organisation.

“Paramilitaries are not defenders of their communities, instead they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and exploit any circumstances they can for their own gain.

“We know that the communities most affected utterly support our ongoing efforts and want to work with us to end the harm caused by the criminal activity of paramilitaries.

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“I would encourage anyone with any information regarding criminal activity to contact police on 101 or alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

The raids and arrest happened late on Friday.

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