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29/09/2022
Three Men Jailed Over Drug Activity Linked To East Belfast UVF
The PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force have welcomed the sentences handed down to William Hunter and brothers Glenn and Mark Rainey at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday 28 September.
Hunter, aged 34, was sentenced to three years and four months – half to be served in custody, and half on licence.
Glenn Rainey, 36, was sentenced to four years – half to be served in custody and half on licence.
Mark Rainey, 44, was also sentenced to four years – half to be served in custody and half on licence.
The outcome follows from a Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) investigation into suspected drugs criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF.
Detective Sergeant Thompson said: "From initial searches in east Belfast in October and November 2020, a quantity of drugs was seized, along with mobile phones belonging to the three defendants. An exchange of messages revealed offers and requests for Class A controlled drugs, as well as details of money owed for drug deals and quarrels over debts.
"The three men were arrested in August 2021, and recently pleaded guilty to a range of drugs offences covering a period from August 2020 to August 2021. This included being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs by all and possession of Class A drugs by Glenn Rainey and William Hunter."
Detective Sergeant Thompson continued: "Along with our partners, we remain determined to disrupt the criminal activities of those groups who make their living from crime – and always at the expense of others. They care nothing for the lives and relationships that are affected, ruined or lost along the way.
"I'm grateful for the support of the local community and would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101."
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The Paramilitary Crime Task Force is a multi-agency task force set up in Northern Ireland to protect communities by tackling all forms of criminality linked to paramilitarism. It consists of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency and HM Revenue & Customs.
Hunter, aged 34, was sentenced to three years and four months – half to be served in custody, and half on licence.
Glenn Rainey, 36, was sentenced to four years – half to be served in custody and half on licence.
Mark Rainey, 44, was also sentenced to four years – half to be served in custody and half on licence.
The outcome follows from a Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) investigation into suspected drugs criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF.
Detective Sergeant Thompson said: "From initial searches in east Belfast in October and November 2020, a quantity of drugs was seized, along with mobile phones belonging to the three defendants. An exchange of messages revealed offers and requests for Class A controlled drugs, as well as details of money owed for drug deals and quarrels over debts.
"The three men were arrested in August 2021, and recently pleaded guilty to a range of drugs offences covering a period from August 2020 to August 2021. This included being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs by all and possession of Class A drugs by Glenn Rainey and William Hunter."
Detective Sergeant Thompson continued: "Along with our partners, we remain determined to disrupt the criminal activities of those groups who make their living from crime – and always at the expense of others. They care nothing for the lives and relationships that are affected, ruined or lost along the way.
"I'm grateful for the support of the local community and would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101."
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The Paramilitary Crime Task Force is a multi-agency task force set up in Northern Ireland to protect communities by tackling all forms of criminality linked to paramilitarism. It consists of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency and HM Revenue & Customs.
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