Two arrested in East Belfast UVF drug dealing raids

Detectives investigating drug dealing linked to the East Belfast UVF have arrested two men and seized suspected class A, B and C controlled drugs following searches in Dundonald and Belfast.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2020, 16:01 BST
A previous haul of cocaine, cannabis and cash seized during PSNI raidsA previous haul of cocaine, cannabis and cash seized during PSNI raids
A previous haul of cocaine, cannabis and cash seized during PSNI raids

The PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force carried out the raids on Monday evening. 

Detective Inspector Hamilton said: “The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt the criminal activity of organised criminals who badge themselves as paramilitaries. These searches and arrests are part of our ongoing proactive investigation into the drug dealing criminality of East Belfast UVF.”

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Officers stopped a vehicle on Monday evening and discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine, he said, with follow-up searches of properties in Belfast and Dundonald disclosing suspected cannabis, prescription medication, and a substantial amount of cash.

Police arrested two men aged 32 and 33 on suspicion of possessing class A, B and C drugs, possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of drugs, possession of criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon. They are currently in police custody.

Inspector Hamilton added: “This seizure represents our ongoing commitment to preventing dangerous drugs from ending up in local communities and also frustrating the criminal activities of paramilitaries living within them.

“Removing these illegal substances from our streets today is an important step in making Northern Ireland a hostile environment for those involved in drug dealing within our communities. We will continue to work hard to identify them, arrest them and bring them before the courts.”

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He promised police would continue to listen to the community and act on any information provided, appealing for anyone with information on the supply of illegal drugs or paramilitary organised crime to get in touch with police on 101.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The PSNI, HM Revenue & Customs and the National Crime Agency established the Paramilitary Crime Task Force as part of the Executive’s action plan on tackling paramilitary activity.