Man (23) arrested and more than £75,000 worth of drugs seized during search of vehicle in Belfast

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) along with officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Auto Crime Team stopped a vehicle during a search operation on Hightown Road, Belfast on Friday.

The search was in relation to an ongoing investigation into drugs supply activity of East Belfast UVF.

A man (23) was arrested at the scene for possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

In a statement to the press, Detective Inspector Maguire said that “the removal of drugs from our streets reflects the Paramilitary Crime Task Force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the community.”

"Seizures like this show the PCTF’s commitment to listening to the public, investigating and tackling drugs supply linked to and controlled by paramilitary organisations,” he continued.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support in removing drugs from the community.

“We will listen to the community and act on information they provide, so I would encourage members of the public with information regarding drug dealing to call 101, or you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”

He also urged people to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.