24 year old man arrested by police investigating drug criminality linked to East Belfast UVF

By Q Radio News

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating suspected drugs criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF have arrested a 24 year old man, following a search in Newtownards this morning.

Speaking about the incident, Detective Inspector Hamilton said: “A quantity of suspected Class A & B controlled drugs, two mobile phones, £3500 in cash and other drug dealing paraphernalia was seized from a property during the proactive policing operation.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, concerned in supply of Class B drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of criminal property. He is assisting police with their enquiries. 

“This operation targeting the criminal activities of the East Belfast UVF is further evidence of our continuing commitment to tackling the harm caused by paramilitaries supplying drugs in our communities. They style themselves as defenders of those communities, however they are criminals who prey on the most vulnerable members of society for their own personal gain.

“We will continue to listen to the community and act on any information they provide, so I would ask 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.”