Two arrests during paramilitary task force operation in Ballyclare

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) conducted a number of searches in the Ballyclare area yesterday (Tuesday) in an operation targeting suspected criminality linked to the South East Antrim UDA.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Feb 2021, 08:49 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2021, 08:58 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Four searches were conducted at residential addresses by detectives from the PCTF alongside officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and Tactical Support Unit. The matters under investigation relate to drug related criminality and illegal money lending.

As a result of one of the searches, a 29-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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 years 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 enquiries.

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

Detective Inspector O’Neill 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would appeal to anyone with information about illegal money lending or drug use or drug dealing to call police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

----

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.