Cannabis with an estimated street value of £150,000 and a large quantity of cash has been seized by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force targeting organised criminal activity of East Belfast UVF.
Also seized during searches in East Belfast and Newtownards was a quantity of a suspected class A controlled drug and two vehicles.
Three men aged 44, 48 and 71 have been arrested and remain in custody at this stage.
Detective Chief Inspector Cummings said the Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt the criminality activity of organised criminals who badge themselves as paramilitaries.
“Today’s operation was part of our ongoing proactive investigation into the criminality of East Belfast UVF. The substantial quantity of drugs seized today highlights the continuing hypocrisy of those who claim to be protecting the community, while in fact they are actually causing it harm,” said the Detective Chief Inspector.
The Detective Chief Inspector said buying and using cannabis, even on a casual or recreational basis can cause significant damage to families and communities.
“Illegal drugs can kill, they can ruin lives and they fund organised crime groups who are responsible for violence and intimidation within our communities.
“Today’s seizure is evidence of police commitment to listening to local communities and acting on what they tell us.
“I would encourage anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs or information about paramilitary organised crime to get in touch with police on 101. I would also like to thank all those people who have come forward to police with this information to date,” added the Detective Chief Inspector.