Inspector McCallion said: “Officers were attending to an unrelated report in the Antrim Road area on Tuesday evening, 2nd May when they had reason to stop a car and question its driver who had been acting suspiciously.

“The driver of the vehicle became aggressive and obstructive towards police while officers attempted to carry out a search.

“After the man was handcuffed and searched, a quantity of suspected cannabis was located down his trousers, as well as a sum of money. A sum of money was also located inside the car.

“Further searches were later carried out a property in the Glandore Parade area of north Belfast and a quantity of suspected Class B drugs along with drug-related paraphernalia were seized from the house.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B controlled drug and obstructing powers of search for drugs.

“He remains in police custody at this time, assisting officers with their enquiries.

“Drugs have no place in our society and, through Operation Dealbreaker, we will continue to tackle the supply, use and harm caused by illegal drugs.

“If you have concerns about drugs in your area, call us on 101. The quicker we receive information the quicker we can act. Even if you think it’s not significant, it could make a big difference.

“Anyone with information that could help with our ongoing investigation can also contact police quoting reference number 2033 of 02/05/23.”

You can also make a report to police online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport  or call Crimestoppers anonymously  on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

One of the men, aged 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances and throwing a petrol bomb.

A second man, also aged 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, making a petrol bomb, possession of a Class B controlled drug and throwing a petrol bomb.

They are both due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, March 29, for a first remand hearing.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Three men aged 29, 50 and 53 who were arrested under the Terrorism Act have all been released following questioning.

The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information following reports of petrol bomb incidents on Tuesday evening, March 28, in the Bangor and Newtownards area.

North Down and Ards District Commander, Johnston McDowell said: “Officers received a report shortly before 9.20pm that a house had been petrol bombed in the Ballyferris Walk area of Bangor.

“We then received a second report at 9.30pm of damage being caused to a property in the Glenbrook Road area of Newtownards.

“It was reported at least two men threw bricks through the front window of the house and poured petrol onto the driveway.

“Police then received a third report at approximately 9.40pm of a petrol bomb attack at a block of flats in the Donaghadee Road area of Newtownards.

“These incidents are linked to an ongoing feud between two rival drug gangs and police are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported on Tuesday evening. I would also like to extend my thanks to our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who attended.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in these areas at the reported times, and saw anything suspicious, to call police on 101, quoting reference numbers 2128, 2176 and 2156 of 28/03/23.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the 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

Two arrests were made in Co Down under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in Newtownards and a 53-year-old man was arrested in Hillsborough.

A 30-year-old man was also arrested in Newtownards on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “All three remain in custody at this time.

“A number of searches were conducted in the Newtownards area as part of the ongoing operation. A number of items were removed for further examination.

“We continue to appeal to the community to help our investigation and provide any information they have on who might be responsible for these attacks by calling us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. ”

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have seized a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs following a search of a property in the Edenvale Avenue area of Carrickfergus on Sunday, November 20.

A quantity of suspected cannabis edibles and sum of cash was also recovered during the search.

Detective Chief Inspector Avine Kelly said: “A 32-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

“She remains in custody at this time and our investigation is at an early stage.

“The PCTF will continue to work with our Mid and East Antrim District Commander and local Police colleagues to tackle the supply, use and harm caused by illegal drugs through organised criminals.

“The support of local people is essential in helping us to remove illegal drugs from our streets and put those who seek to profit from them in prison.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 or to submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”

Detectives from the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have arrested a 43-year-old male following a policing operation in east Belfast on Thursday, 15th September.

The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drugs criminality linked to East Belfast UVF.

The man was arrested after a quantity of cannabis, with an estimated street value of approximately £30,000, was seized along with a sum of cash.

He has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. 

Detective Inspector Maguire said: “This is a significant seizure of Class B drugs which have now been safely removed from our streets and community.

“It demonstrates the PCTF’s ongoing commitment to safeguard local people, and to tackle the supply, use and harrowing consequences of illegal drugs.

“Those involved with illicit drugs are putting money straight into the hands of paramilitaries, whose only concern is financial gain and control. They care nothing about those lives and relationships that get ruined along the way.

“I’m keen to thank local people for their continued support, and would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101. Information can also be provided, anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and would like to get help can visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info   

This also includes details of services available for individuals affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse.

Four men have been arrested and £275,000 worth of suspected Class B drugs seized following police searches on Tuesday.

Police searched two vehicles and four houses across Belfast and Lurgan and the suspected drugs were recovered along with a quantity of cash.

The men arrested include two aged 36-years-old, one aged 40 and another aged 42.

All are being held on suspicion of a number of drug related offences and currently remain in police custody.

PSNI Detective Inspector Kelly said: “Following searches of two vehicles and four properties across the Belfast and Lurgan areas, a number of items were seized.

“These arrests and seizures represent our commitment to tackling drug criminality throughout Northern Ireland.

“A significant quantity of drugs has been removed from our streets; drugs which cause misery and pain to families and communities.

“The supply of drugs only serves to line the pockets of organised criminal gangs who prey on the vulnerable in our society.”

They said anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency 101 number.

Police have made two arrests and recovered a suspected firearm following a stop and search of a vehicle in west Belfast on Wednesday, April 13.

Detective Sergeant Lorraine Dougherty: said: “Shortly before 5.50pm, officers stopped and searched the vehicle in the Glen Road area of the city and recovered a suspected firearm and a quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs.

“A man, aged in his forties, and a woman, aged in her twenties were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

“They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“Follow up searches were subsequently carried out at a number of properties in the greater Belfast area, and as a result of these, a quantity of suspected ammunition and a further quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs were also seized.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference CW 1351 of 13/4/22.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the 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/

TWO men, aged 45 and 51, have been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug and possessing criminal property.

The 45-year-old man also faces a further charge of possession of a Class A controlled drug.

They are expected to appear before Newry Magistrates’ Court via videolink on Wednesday, February 16.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The arrests follow a proactive policing operation in the Co Armagh area on Tuesday, February 15, by detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit, which resulted in the seizure of suspected Class B drugs with an estimated street value of around £300,000.

During follow up searches, police also seized £86,000 in cash.

OFFICERS from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) investigating drugs criminality linked to South East Antrim UDA have searched a property in Carrickfergus and made an arrest.

During the search, a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs were recovered, along with a quantity of cash. 

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of criminal property and concealing criminal property.

This search and arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the South East Antrim UDA and its links to organised criminality and drug sales within the Carrickfergus area.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly said: “Today’s arrest and drugs seizure reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding local people.

“We will continue to work with communities and our partners in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force to disrupt those involved in such criminal activities and reduce the harm they cause in our communities.”

Officers from the PSNI’S Paramilitary Crime Task Force, investigating the suspected criminal activities of East Belfast UVF, carried out a search of a property in east Belfast earlier today, Thursday, August 19.

A 33-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, and possession of a Class B controlled drug. 

He remains in custody at this time.

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

“I would continue to appeal to anyone with information, or indeed concerns, to contact us on 101.”