Police seize drugs and cash in raid targeting East Belfast UVF

By Q Radio News

Police have seized a quantity of drugs and almost £5,000 in cash as part of an investigation into the East Belfast UVF.  

The money and suspected class A and C drugs were recovered during a search of a property in that part of the city last night.   

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force say they are determined to disrupt the criminality activity of "organised criminals who badge themselves as paramilitaries".

They also said the seizure highlights the hypocrisy of those claiming to protect their communities. 

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating the criminal activities linked to East Belfast UVF have seized a quantity of suspected class A and C controlled drugs and approximately £5000 in cash following a search in east Belfast on Friday, March 27.

Detective Inspector Hamilton said: “Today’s operation proves our continued determination to disrupt the criminality activity of organised criminals who badge themselves as paramilitaries and is another step in our ongoing commitment to preventing dangerous drugs from ending up in local communities.

"The drugs and cash seized today highlights the continuing hypocrisy of those who claim to be protecting the community, while in fact they are actually causing it harm.

“We will continue to listen to the community and act on information provided, so I would encourage anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs or information about paramilitary organised crime to get in touch with 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.”