OFFICERS from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force supported by local PSNI officers and officers from PSNI Tactical Support Group seized cash, two cars, a quantity of suspected drugs and discovered the component parts of a suspected cannabis factory.

It followed a series of coordinated searches in the Newtownards and Dundonald areas on Tuesday, May 26.

A 26 year old male has also been arrested on suspicion of a number offences including possession of Class A controlled Drugs with intent to supply, and possessing and converting criminal property. 

He was taken to Musgrave custody suite for questioning.

Detective Inspector O’Neill  said: “On Tuesday officers carried out searches in a number of houses in an operation targeting the drugs criminality of South East Antrim UDA.

“Approximately £8,000 cash was recovered along with two ‘high end’ cars, and a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs.

“This operation is evidence that the PCTF will continue to investigate all aspects of criminality being carried out by anyone purporting to be operating under the convenient flag of a paramilitary organisation.

“Paramilitaries are not defenders of their communities, instead they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and exploit any circumstances they can for their own gain.

“Anyone with information about any criminality linked to paramilitaries should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, which gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”