A quantity of suspected Class A controlled drugs, along with drugs paraphernalia and five high-value watches, have been seized following a search operation today, Tuesday 10 June.

The raids were carried out by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) and are linked to drug supply activity of the South East Antrim UDA.

Detective Inspector Maguire confirmed that five properties were searched across the Carrickfergus, Ballyclare, and Newtownards areas. The seized items have been taken for further forensic examinations.

The South East Antrim UDA is a loyalist paramilitary group known to be heavily involved in the illegal drug trade, operating as a distinct faction from the 'mainstream' UDA. Detective Inspector Maguire reiterated the PCTF's commitment to disrupting criminal organisations. "We will continue to work with our partners in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force to disrupt the activities of those who make their living from crime," he stated. "They use a regime of fear to exercise control over the most vulnerable in our society, and care nothing about the lives ruined along the way."

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force is a multi-agency initiative in Northern Ireland established to combat all forms of criminality linked to paramilitarism. It comprises officers from the PSNI, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Police are encouraging anyone with information about such criminal activity to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.