East Belfast UVF: Police seize drugs worth over £600,000 in two raids

Police officers investigating criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF recovered in excess of £600,000 of suspected cannabis following two searches in north Belfast and Ballyclare on Friday.

Detective Inspector Hamilton said: “Following a proactive policing operation in the area, suspected cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £435,000 were recovered at the scene.

“One man aged 45 years old was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of Cannabis, possession of Class B Controlled Drugs and possession of Class B Controlled drugs with intent to supply. He is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

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“Officers carried out a subsequent search at residential premises in the Ballyclare area as part of the ongoing investigation. In excess of £200,000 of suspected cannabis were seized during this subsequent search operation.

“Today’s operation is evidence that the PCTF will continue to listen to the concerns of the community and act on any information provided. We will 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.”