Drugs worth 65-thousand pounds following police operation linked to west Belfast UDA

By Q Radio News

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task force have seized suspected Class A and B drugs with an estimated street value of £65,000 during a search and arrest operation in Newtownabbey and North Down against the criminal activities of the West Belfast UDA earlier today, Tuesday 22 October.

A 40 year old man and a 44 year old woman were also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B controlled drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property. They are currently in police custody being questioned by detectives.

Detective Inspector Ray Phelan said: “Earlier today, we carried out three searches in the Bangor, Newtownabbey and Millisle areas and made two arrests. A suspected quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of £55,000 and a suspected quantity of cannabis with an estimated street value of £10,000 were recovered and have been taken away for further examination. Police also seized a vehicle and £10,000 in cash.

“Today’s search and arrest operation is linked to the supply of drugs on behalf of the West Belfast UDA. West Belfast UDA carry out paramilitary style attacks, claiming that they are protecting their communities but the reality is that they supply drugs which ruin the lives of local people, using violence to try and control their markets. They do not care about the devastation that they cause; their only concern is with lining their own pockets.

“They are a priority for the PCTF due to the breadth of their criminality and the harm that they cause to the local community. Working with our partners and communities we are committed to tackling the criminality of these groups . Anyone with any information no matter how trivial they may think it is, should  bring that to police or to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”