Six arrests in major paramilitary search op

Six people have been arrested in an operation targeting the east Belfast UVF.

A 46-year-old woman, along with five men aged between 24 and 40 years, were detained following searches across north and east Belfast, Newtownards and Newtownabbey on Friday.

They are being questioned by detectives in Belfast on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.

A quantity of drugs was also seized in the operation led by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force.

It follows a major police swoop last week during which 11 arrests were made following raids of 14 properties in Belfast, Newtownards and Comber, which was also focused on the criminal activists of the east Belfast UVF.

Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts said the operation was aimed at targeting criminal activities, particularly drug dealing, connected to the East Belfast UVF.

"The supply of drugs in our community does nothing but cause harm, cause misery and put people in fear,'' he said.

"Those that engage in this type of activity can expect to be investigated, they can expect to be arrested, they can expect to be interviewed and every effort will be made to put them before the courts so they can face justice.

"The community has spoken loud and clear that they don't tolerate this type of activity, they won't tolerate this type of activity and these actions come in part as a result of the support we have received from local communities.''

He added that following last week's arrests, 10 people have been charged with offences.