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.

“This is 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.”