Menu
06/05/2022
Man Jailed For Money Lending And Drug Dealing
A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months for money lending and drug dealing, to serve nine months in custody and nine months on license.
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) welcomed the sentence handed down to Thomas Porter at Antrim Crown Court today, Thursday 5 May.
In May 2017 police carried out the search of a property in Carrickfergus as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the West Belfast UDA.
Items seized revealed the offer of controlled drugs, the offer of loans and subsequent demands for the payment of loans.
The investigation showed that the defendant added a hefty interest rate to each loan, with added fines and violence threatened in cases of missed payment.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly from the Police Service said: "Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"We will continue to pursue those who cause real harm to their own communities through the distribution and supply of illicit drugs.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use illegal money lending as a means to control and exploit vulnerable people. The coercion that comes with illegal money lending means that it's common for victims to feel that they have no-one to turn to.
"I'm taking this opportunity to ask anyone who is, or has been, a victim of illegal money lending to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A public awareness campaign 'Ending the Harm' focuses on the harm caused by illegal money lending. This campaign is part of the Northern Ireland Executive Programme to Tackle Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime, which involves Government Departments, law enforcement agencies, local councils and community and voluntary sectors working together to break the cycle of violence and prevent yet another generation of young people from being exploited and abused by paramilitaries.
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) welcomed the sentence handed down to Thomas Porter at Antrim Crown Court today, Thursday 5 May.
In May 2017 police carried out the search of a property in Carrickfergus as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the West Belfast UDA.
Items seized revealed the offer of controlled drugs, the offer of loans and subsequent demands for the payment of loans.
The investigation showed that the defendant added a hefty interest rate to each loan, with added fines and violence threatened in cases of missed payment.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly from the Police Service said: "Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"We will continue to pursue those who cause real harm to their own communities through the distribution and supply of illicit drugs.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use illegal money lending as a means to control and exploit vulnerable people. The coercion that comes with illegal money lending means that it's common for victims to feel that they have no-one to turn to.
"I'm taking this opportunity to ask anyone who is, or has been, a victim of illegal money lending to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A public awareness campaign 'Ending the Harm' focuses on the harm caused by illegal money lending. This campaign is part of the Northern Ireland Executive Programme to Tackle Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime, which involves Government Departments, law enforcement agencies, local councils and community and voluntary sectors working together to break the cycle of violence and prevent yet another generation of young people from being exploited and abused by paramilitaries.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 February 2024
Alliance Calls For Drug Consumption Rooms In NI
Alliance has reiterated a call for drug consumption rooms in Northern Ireland. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the release of the latest drug misuse deaths figures here.
Alliance Calls For Drug Consumption Rooms In NI
Alliance has reiterated a call for drug consumption rooms in Northern Ireland. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the release of the latest drug misuse deaths figures here.
29 November 2021
Justice Minister Launches Campaign Against Illegal Money Lenders
Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to use illegal money lending to target the most vulnerable members of our communities, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Justice Minister Launches Campaign Against Illegal Money Lenders
Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to use illegal money lending to target the most vulnerable members of our communities, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
09 April 2024
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
02 April 2024
Police Release Statement On Easter Monday Events In Creggan
The PSNI have released a statement on the events which took place in Creggan on Easter Monday. Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said that "police received an 11/1 on Saturday 30th March in relation only to an event in the City Cemetery in Creggan" which would be taking place on 1 April.
Police Release Statement On Easter Monday Events In Creggan
The PSNI have released a statement on the events which took place in Creggan on Easter Monday. Derry City & Strabane Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said that "police received an 11/1 on Saturday 30th March in relation only to an event in the City Cemetery in Creggan" which would be taking place on 1 April.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
