OFFICERS from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) investigating the activities of the West Belfast UDA have arrested three men.
Suspected class A and B controlled drugs were also seized along with a large sum of cash and a vehicle, during planned searches in Belfast and Millisle on Monday.
Two men, aged 49 and 25 were arrested in Belfast, while a third aged 41 was detained in Millisle.
Detective Inspector Phelan said: "The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt organised criminals who brand themselves under the convenient label of paramilitarism.
"Criminal groups like this claim to be protecting their communities from crime however in reality they themselves are heavily involved in a wide range of criminality including extortion, the supply of illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and money laundering.
"Their main objective is to line their pockets, regardless of the harm and misery that they bring to people in the local area".
Mr Phelan added that "communities most affected by drug dealing and violence" support the work of the PCTF.
