Northern Ireland

Five people arrested in cross-border organised crime probe

Five people have been arrested as part of a cross-border probe into organised crime
Five people have been arrested as part of a cross-border probe into organised crime Five people have been arrested as part of a cross-border probe into organised crime

FIVE people have been arrested as part of a cross-border investigation into drug dealing and money laundering.

Twenty properties were searched by more than 400 PSNI officers on Tuesday and yesterday.

Gardaí also carried out two searches in Co Donegal.

Of the 20 searches in the north, ten took place in Derry. The others took place in Belfast, Strabane, Armagh, Dungannon, Aughnacloy and Glenavy.

Cocaine, cannabis and luxury items valued at more than £200,000, including watches, jewellery and a large diamond, were among the items seized along with £9,000 in cash.

A member of staff at a jeweller's shop was among those arrested.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs, money laundering and possession of criminal property.

Four people were arrested in Derry, including a three men aged 47, 41 and 29 and a 35-year-old woman.