Northern Ireland

Two arrested after police targeting INLA seize drugs, cash and 'high-end' vehicle following searches in Derry

Police put some of the cash and drugs seized during Wednesday's searches in Derry on display.
Police put some of the cash and drugs seized during Wednesday's searches in Derry on display. Police put some of the cash and drugs seized during Wednesday's searches in Derry on display.

TWO people have been arrested after police seized drugs, money and a “high-end” vehicle in an operation targeting the INLA in Derry.

Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £80,000, a “substantial” sum in cash and two vehicles were seized following searches of four properties across the city on Wednesday by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF).

A cocaine press was seized from a property in Pennyburn and two men, aged 31 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of offences including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, possession of Class A controlled drug and acquiring, converting and possession of criminal property and other drug related offences.

Two vehicles were also seized in the search.

Cash and suspected Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £80,000 were seized during a search in the cityside area, police said.

The spokesman said the operation showed the PSNI’s determination to tackle drug activity linked to paramilitaries.

“We will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those drug criminals using paramilitarism as a badge of convenience, who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs for their own personal gain and, in some cases, to fund a lavish lifestyle.

“These drugs cause nothing but harm and distress, not only to the people who take them, but also to their families who deal with the heart-breaking fall out associated with drugs, including death, debt and intimidation,” he said.