Five arrested in West Belfast UDA probe

Q Newsdesk

Five people have been arrested following police raids targeting the West Belfast UDA.

Searches were carried out at 5 locations across Bangor and Newtownards today.

Suspected class b drugs, mobile phones, and documents were seized.

A 35 year old woman who was among those arrested has been released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Cummings said:

“Earlier today, we carried out five searches in the Bangor and Newtownards areas and arrested four men aged 46, 35, 33 and 33. They are currently in police custody being questioned by detectives. A 35 year old woman was also arrested and was later street bailed pending further enquiries. A suspected quantity of Class B drugs, mobile phones and documentation were seized and have been taken away for further examination.

“West Belfast UDA are a priority for the PCTF due to the breadth of their criminality and the harm that they cause to the local community. 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.

“Working with our partners and communities we are committed to tackling the criminality of these groups . Anyone with any information no matter how trivial they may think it is, should  bring that to police on 101 or to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”