Drugs and cash have been seized in an operation targeting the West Belfast UDA, police say.
A vehicle, understood to be a van, was also lifted and three people arrested as part of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force clampdown.
Police say suspected class A and B controlled drugs were seized during the operation “targeting the organised criminal activity” of the paramilitary outfit.
The material was found during planned searches in Belfast and Millisle. Two men, aged 49 and 25 were arrested in Belfast while a third aged 41 was detained in Millisle, the PSNI said.
Detective Inspector Phelan added: “The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt organised criminals who brand themselves under the convenient label of paramilitarism. Today’s operation was part of our ongoing proactive investigation into criminality linked to the west Belfast UDA.
“Criminal groups like this claim to be protecting their communities from crime however in reality they themselves are heavily involved in a wide range of criminality including extortion, the supply of illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and money laundering. Their main objective is to line their pockets, regardless of the harm and misery that they bring to people in the local area.
“Today’s operation demonstrates that police are listening to local communities and further demonstrates our commitment to bringing those involved in the criminality associated with paramilitarism before the courts and we know that the communities most affected by drug dealing and violence utterly support our ongoing efforts and want to work with us to end the harm caused by paramilitaries and drugs.
"I would appeal for anyone with information regarding criminality by paramilitary organisations to contact police on 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.”
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved .
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
