Boy released on bail after arrest in drug probe linked to East Belfast UVF

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A 16-year-old boy has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of a number of offences as part of an investigation into the supply of illegal drugs linked to the East Belfast UVF.

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force arrested the boy following the search of a property in south Belfast on Wednesday.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class C controlled drugs with intent to supply as well as possessing and transferring criminal property.

The arrest follows an operation in March last year in which drugs estimated to be worth more than £130,000 (€150,000) were seized in east Belfast.

Two men, aged in their 30s, were charged with drug offences in relation to that operation.

Detective Inspector Maguire said: “This demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force to protecting communities and dismantling the supply of illegal drugs linked to East Belfast UVF.

“During the search today a further significant quantity of cash has been seized.

“Those involved in the so-called ‘drugs trade’ 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.

“The fact that young or vulnerable people may be groomed and recruited, over months and years, into criminal behaviours is hugely concerning.

“The solution requires collective efforts, and I’m keen to reiterate an appeal to anyone with information, or concerns, to please speak up.”

The boy was later released on bail to allow for further police investigation.

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force is a multi-agency task force set up in the North to protect communities by tackling all forms of criminality linked to paramilitarism.

It consists of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the UK's National Crime Agency and HM Revenue & Customs.