News

INLA 'racket' linked arrests in Derry

Police have carried out a number of arrests linked to the INLA
Police have carried out a number of arrests linked to the INLA Police have carried out a number of arrests linked to the INLA

TWO men and a woman have been arrested in Derry in connection with INLA paramilitary activity.

The men, aged 40 and 45 and a 57-year-old woman were arrested yesterday and taken to

to Musgrave Street Police Station for questioning.

Police also carried out searches in the Galliagh, Buncrana Road and Ballymagroarty areas in relation to the supply of drugs and illegal cigarettes, money laundering and a paramilitary-style attack last month.

A quantity of Class A and B drugs were seized from the search in the Galliagh area and a 17 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of the drugs with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Tom McClure of the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit said: "INLA in Derry and Strabane claim to be protecting their communities from crime.

"However in reality they themselves are heavily involved in a wide range of criminal money-making 'rackets' including extortion, supply of controlled drugs, counterfeit goods and money laundering. As well as taking a cut from alleged local drug dealers they are also supplying controlled drugs themselves."