A MAN has been arrested as part of an ongoing operation into suspected drugs criminality linked to East Belfast UVF.

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task (PCTF) searched a house in the north Belfast area today, Thursday, May 20.

During the search, police seized a quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs, Class B controlled drugs and a quantity of cash.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and possession of criminal property, he was later released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Thompson said: “Today’s search operation is the latest in our proactive investigation into suspected drugs criminality linked to East Belfast UVF, who remain a priority for the PCTF due to the human rights abuses they carry out in their local communities.

“Police, working with our partners and communities, are committed to tackling the scourge of this type of organised criminality.

“Anyone with any information or concerns regarding criminality in the community can contact police on 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”