By David Hunter
Three people have been arrested and more than seven properties have been searched by police investigating the North Belfast branch of the UVF.
Detectives say they took place at residential and commercial properties as part of the investigation into criminal activity.
A 56 year old woman, 39 year old man and 56 year old man were detained in Newtownabbey and Belfast, and remain in custody this evening.
Detective Inspector Heather Whoriskey said: “The searches took place in residential and commercial properties during which three people were arrested.
“A 56 year old woman and 39 year old man were arrested in Newtownabbey and a 56 year old man was arrested in North Belfast.
"They have all been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for further questioning.
“Today’s operation demonstrates the PSNI’s commitment to tackling all types of criminality linked to paramilitaries.
"While these searches and arrests focused specifically on the North Belfast UVF, we will continue to target all paramilitary groups and disrupt their illegal activities which only serve to blight the communities they operate in.”
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