Three arrested following searches by police investigating UDA-linked criminality

Three people have been arrested after searches in north Belfast which were part of an “investigation into criminality linked to the west Belfast UDA”, the PSNI said.

In a statement, the force said two men, aged 39 and 34, and a 36-year-old woman were detained by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) on Tuesday.

Three properties in the Old Park area were searched and Detective Sergeant Gourley said: “As a result of the searches, quantities of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs were seized, along with drugs-related paraphernalia, suspected Class B edibles, tobacco and a quantity of cash.

“All of the items were taken away for further forensic examination.”

All three were arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

The woman and the 39-year-old man were also arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property and evading goods, excise duty and VAT, possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.

All three are in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Gourley added: “Today’s searches and arrests demonstrate the PCTF’s commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drug use and supply in our communities.”