TWO men have been charged over a £180,000 cocaine seizure as part of a police probe into the criminal activities of East Belfast UVF.

One man, aged 28, has been charged with 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.

A second man, aged 41, has been charged with a number of drug related offences including possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply and fraudulently importing a Class A controlled drug.

Both men are due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates Court this morning, Thursday, November 25, for a first remand hearing.

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

The charges are in relation to the drug seizure and arrest by detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating drugs criminality linked to East Belfast UVF in the Dundonald and Moira areas on Wednesday, November 24.