Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force targeting the organised criminal activity of East Belfast UVF have charged a 56-year-old man after the recovery yesterday of significant quantity of controlled drugs following a search in East Belfast.

Cocaine with an estimated street value of around £350,000 and a large quantity of cash was seized.

The man has been charged with with possession of a class A drug, possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, possessing criminal property and concealing criminal property.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 24 for a first remand hearing.

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS

Detective Inspector O’Neill said: “The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continue to disrupt the criminality activity of organised criminals who badge themselves as paramilitaries.

“This operation was part of our ongoing proactive investigation into the criminality of East Belfast UVF.

“The substantial quantity of Class A controlled drugs removed from the streets not only removes these dangerous drugs from circulation, it also will impact on the groups finances and ability to cause harm.

“This seizure is evidence of police commitment to listening to local communities and acting on what they tell us.

“I would encourage anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs or information about paramilitary organised crime to get in touch with police on 101.

“I would also like to thank all those people who have come forward to police with this information to date.”