Over £30k seized in police paramilitary crackdown

Police have seized £32,000 in cash along with a stash of thousands of contraband cigarettes, an imitation firearm and UVF paraphernalia as part of a two-day operation.

A total of 14 searches were carried out across Belfast and Newtownabbey in relation to ongoing investigations into criminal activity linked to the north Belfast UVF.

Three people were arrested yesterday as part of the probe that involved around 100 officers.

A 56-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were arrested in Newtownabbey on suspicion of terrorism offences, with the latter also suspected of membership of a proscribed organisation, the UVF.

A 56-year-old man was also arrested, in north Belfast, on suspicion of terrorism offences.

The searches uncovered a range of items, including money-lending ledgers, UVF flags, fleeces, belt buckles and ties and computers and mobile phones.

Furniture, three vehicles and airsoft rivals were also seized.

Detective Inspector Heather Whoriskey said of the policing operation, “These criminals are a blight on society and the communities they exert their control over. We are working hard to rid our communities of the paramilitary groupings but we need your help.

“I understand that people feel afraid to speak out against these paramilitaries, but police need information from local people – as we will act on information we receive. It may not always be visible and immediate but please be assured that every piece of information is assessed and acted on.”

Anyone with information should contact the PSNI on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous please phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.