Man arrested under anti-terror laws after police searches in south-east Antrim

Q Radio News/PA

A man has been arrested under anti-terrorism laws after an operation against suspected UDA criminality.

Drug crime and illegal money lending were targeted during searches in south-east Antrim.

Four searches, conducted at residential addresses, were carried out by detectives on Tuesday.

A PSNI statement said: “As a result of one of the searches, a 29-year-old male has been arrested under the Terrorism Act.”

At another search a quantity of suspected class B controlled drugs was located along with a substantial sum of cash which was seized.

One man, aged 48, was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B controlled drugs with intent to supply.

He has been subsequently released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Various other items have been seized and these will be the subject of ongoing investigative inquiries.

A PSNI spokesman said: “These searches illustrate our determination to tackle the wide-ranging criminality and harm linked to paramilitaries, and reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities.

“The possession and distribution of drugs within communities will not and should not be tolerated and we will continue our campaign against those who are intent on profiting from the significant harm caused by paramilitary criminality and activity.”