DETECTIVES from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have charged a 45 year old man who was arrested at the weekend as part of a probe into the criminal activities of East Belfast UVF.

He has been charge with possession of a class B controlled drug, possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply a class B controlled drug and possessing criminal property.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Monday, April 19.

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.

The charges are in relation to the seizure of illegal drugs with a street value of around £200,000 in south Belfast on Saturday, April 17.

During the search of the property in the Agincourt Avenue on Saturday afternoon detectives also seized a van, a sum of cash and a quantity of gold.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “The harm caused by illegal drugs should never be underestimated, or the commitment of the PCTF to create a hostile environment for those persons involved in such criminality.  

“Drug criminals continue to be a priority for the PCTF, because they do not care about the devastation they cause; their only concern is lining their own pockets.

“We will continue to listen to the community and act on information they provide, so I would encourage members of the public with information regarding drug dealing to call 101, or 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/.”