by Q Radio News
Eleven men have been arrested by police investigating the criminal activities of the East Belfast UVF.
It comes after officers carried out 14 searches in the Greater Belfast, Ards and Comber areas.
(Police carrying out searches in the Greater Belfast, Ards and Comber areas)
The suspects, aged between 22 and 48, are currently in police custody being questioned by detectives.
Through the investigation, £15,000 of suspected Class A drugs, a number of high value vehicles, high end jewellery, clothing and accessories and a significant quantity of cash have been seized.
(An item seized during searches in East Belfast)
Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton says, "East Belfast UVF have been a priority for the PCTF since its inception owing to the breadth and scale of criminality and the violence against and coercion of the community that goes hand in hand with it.
"Paramilitaries claim to protect local people but in reality they exploit them by supplying illegal drugs and using violence to try and control their markets.
"East Belfast UVF are nothing more than a drugs gang who operate under a flag of convenience in an attempt to legitimise their existence.
"Working with our partners and communities we are determined to rid our communities of these parasites.
"PSNI clearly has a role to play in terms of tackling the criminality of these groups and that’s why today’s PCTF operation is significant.
"This investigation has been ongoing for some time and today’s action will likely lead to further action by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force.
"Today’s operation demonstrates what we can do when we have information about the activities of these groups.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those that are standing up to paramilitaries across Northern Ireland, your courage is an inspiration to us all, thank you.
"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.”
Detective Superindendent Bobby Singleton says some of those arrested today could have links to people already arrested in connection with the murder of Ian Ogle: pic.twitter.com/jYNfXk4K8a
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 22, 2019
(An item seized during searches in East Belfast)
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