Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force have charged two people following planned searches at three properties in north Belfast.

The operations were carried out on Tuesday, 10 March, as part of an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to the west Belfast UDA. A 36-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man have been charged with a number of drug-related offences, including possession of a Class A controlled drug and possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, as well as possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

Further charges include possessing criminal property, concealing criminal property, evading excise duty and VAT, and entering into an arrangement to acquire criminal property.

Both defendants are due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning, Wednesday 11 March. As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation has been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.