A WOMAN and two men arrested as part of an investigation into the north Belfast UVF remained in custody last night following a major police operation.
More than 100 officers were involved in 14 searches in Belfast and Newtownabbey over a two-day operation between Monday and yesterday.
Police seized around £32,000 in cash and items including 9,000 contraband cigarettes, an imitation gun, money lending ledgers and UVF paraphernalia including flags, fleeces, belt buckle and ties, computers and mobile phones.
Furniture, three vehicles and 24 BB guns were also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
A 56-year-old woman and two men aged 39 and 56, arrested on Monday, were still being questioned last night on suspicion of terrorism offences.
The 39-year-old man was also being questioned on suspicion of being a member of the UVF.
Detective Inspector Heather Whoriskey said the searches "focused specifically on the North Belfast UVF".
"These people target the most vulnerable members of their communities – people who are struggling to make ends meet or perhaps those who have an addiction and need help. The stark reality is that they are not helping but instead exerting control and fear over them," she said.
"This is why we are committed to disrupting these types of criminal activities - including money lending, drugs and firearms offences, selling counterfeit goods as well as paramilitary style attacks - and the paramilitaries behind them.
"These criminals are a blight on society and the communities they exert their control over. We are working hard to rid our communities of the paramilitary groupings but we need your help.
"I understand that people feel afraid to speak out against these paramilitaries, but police need information from local people – as we will act on information we receive. It may not always be visible and immediate but please be assured that every piece of information is assessed and acted on."
She appealed to anyone with information to contact police.
