Five arrests made over violent criminal activity linked to north Antrim UDA

By Q Radio News

A woman and four men have been arrested by detectives investigating human rights abuses and violent criminality linked to north Antrim UDA.

Paramilitary Crime Task Force officers detained the 52-year-old woman, and four men, aged 38, 43, 47 and 50, in the Ballymoney, Limavady and Coleraine areas early this morning.

Officers have now released photographs of a suspected home-made firearm, ammunition, cash, multiple mobile devices and suspected illegal cigarettes seized following a series of searches carried out in the Ballymoney, Limavady and Coleraine areas today.

Over 50 balaclavas were recovered and a vehicle was seized for examination. 

The five people arrested earlier today remain in custody for questioning.

The arrests are part of an ongoing probe into multiple shootings, assaults and incidents involving the use of explosive materials, which had the potential to cause loss of life.

A woman and four men have been arrested by detectives investigating human rights abuses and violent criminality linked to north Antrim UDA.https://t.co/KyisqvQD2D

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 15, 2021

(Seized firearm)

Detective Chief Inspector Brennan from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force said:

“We believe the weapon and ammunition recovered are similar to those used in recent shooting attacks against members of the North Antrim community. 

“The seizure has undoubtedly frustrated the activity of individuals who attempt to control communities through intimidation and fear of violence.

“Those people who are involved in this type of dangerous and life-threatening criminality, where they are using weapons or unstable explosive items in often heavily populated residential areas, put entire communities at risk.

“These individuals will remain a priority for the Paramilitary Crime Task Force due to the violent human rights abuses they carry out on members of their local communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners and communities across North Antrim to relentlessly tackle the scourge of criminals who use the threat of violence in an attempt to coercively take control of people’s lives.  

“Together we can tackle this.

“I know that communities want to live in peace without the threat of being innocently caught up in the activities of violent criminals.

“I would encourage anyone with information that could assist in our efforts to contact us on the non-emergency number 101.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or through Cimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org