Drugs, cigarettes and fake football shirts seized as part of west Belfast UDA investigation

Police say an estimated £48,000 worth of class A drugs were taken along with an estimated 10,000 cigarettes and counterfeit items, including football shirts

Author: James GouldPublished 10th Jun 2022
Last updated 10th Jun 2022

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have seized an estimated £48,000 worth of suspected Class A drugs following searches as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drugs criminality linked to the west Belfast UDA.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: "Following proactive searches at three locations in the Shankill area, we also recovered an estimated 10,000 cigarettes, as well as a quantity of cash and a number of suspected counterfeit items, including football shirts.

"The searches and seizures are a demonstration of the PCTF’s commitment to tackle all types of organised criminality linked to paramilitaries, in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm these groups cause and of their coercive control.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would like to thank the local community for their continued support and will continue to act on the information you provide us.”

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

Read More: Starmer to meet Stormont leaders in Belfast

Cancer charity urges NI to Follow England's anti-smoking plans