DRUG DEALERS WARNED: GET OUT

The warning was issued through an organisation calling themselves Loyalists Against Drugs (LAD) who claim that while mainstream loyalism has stepped away from military action, it does not mean that drug dealers or users can operate as they please in North Antrim unchallenged.

A source revealed that a shed in the Mosside area was targeted on Wednesday night after local activists noticed a heavy-duty cable coming from the premises.

He said that after some investigation, a number of people entered the shed and removed cannabis plants destroying them in the vicinity of where they were found. He added that the quantity of drugs was relatively small.

It was stressed that no violence was used and it is understood that a senior member of the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) the political wing of the UDA, was approached about the incident and subsequently advised the complainant to inform the authorities.

There is no suggested link between those who carried out the act and the mainstream UDA.

The source told the Times: "Loyalist communities are not going to stand for this stuff in their midst.

"People power will deal with the problem since we believe that drug dealers are brazenly operating in the Ballymoney area thinking they can get away with peddling their wares.

"Since loyalists have been stood down, crime has gone up in this area particularly in relation to the drugs scene and it won't be tolerated.

"Dealers are becoming more common and they think this can go on unchallenged.

"It won't. Drug dealers will have to realise they will not be allowed to operate here."

Police would say that no one should take the law into their own hands and that any unlawful activity should be reported to the proper authorities.