Three held after Paramilitary Crime Task Force searches

Searches were carried out in Derry on Tuesday. Credit: UTV

Three people have been arrested following an operation by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force targeting the INLA in Londonderry.

UTV joined officers from the task force to see its work first-hand, six months after it was created.

Officers carried out searches in Derry on Tuesday and seized cannabis, cash and INLA paraphernalia.

Three men, aged 30, 36 and 44, were arrested and taken for questioning.

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force has been established by the PSNI, HM Revenue & Customs, and the National Crime Agency to tackle criminality linked to paramilitarism – loyalist and republican.

PSNI Detective Inspector Lynne Knox said: “Many areas face challenges from organised criminal gangs with paramilitary connections.

“Those who are involved in this type of criminality do not represent the interests of the community.”

She added: “Information from members of the public is absolutely vital in tackling serious crime and I would appeal to anyone who has any information to call police on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”