MAN ARRESTED AS COPS SEIZE COCAINE CUTTING AGENT IN EAST BELFAST UVF DRUGS PROBE

OFFICERS from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force last night arrested a 48 year old man in East Belfast. 

This arrest followed searches at properties in East Belfast and Carrickfergus.

Head of the PCTF Detective Chief Inspector Cummings said: “This search operation targeted East Belfast UVF’s drug supply network. 

“During the searches a quantity of suspected Benzocaine was seized. 

“This product is used by criminals as a ‘cutting agent’ for drugs such as cocaine. 

“They use substances such as Benzocaine to increase the volume of drugs for sale, thereby increasing their criminal profits.

“In addition, a hydraulic press (pictured above) which I believe is used to compact cocaine into blocks was also seized, along with electronic scales and other drugs paraphernalia.

“The man arrested has been taken to Musgrave Custody Suite, where he is currently being questioned by detectives.

“The arrest and seizure is a further demonstration that the PCTF continues to investigate all types of organised criminality linked to paramilitaries, in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm these groups cause and of their coercive control.”

A man was also arrested during the search in Carrickfergus for assaulting a police officer and has been reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

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