Over £600,000 of suspected cannabis has been seized following two searches in north Belfast and Ballyclare.
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force investigating the criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF recovered the suspected drugs this afternoon (Friday 29 May).
Suspected cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £435,000 were found in north Belfast.
A man aged 45 was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis, possession of class B controlled drugs and possession of class B controlled drugs with intent to supply. He is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Officers also carried out a search at a house in the Ballyclare area. Over £200,000 of suspected cannabis was seized during this operation.
Detective Inspector Hamilton said police will investigate all aspects of criminality being carried out by anyone purporting to be operating under the convenient flag of a paramilitary organisation.
“Paramilitaries are not defenders of their communities, instead they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and exploit any circumstances they can for their own gain.
“Anyone with information about any criminality linked to paramilitaries should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, which gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” he added.