SIX men have been arrested in the Belfast and Lisburn areas as part of a police investigation into alleged plans to commit an armed robbery.
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch arrested five men in Belfast and one in Lisburn last night as part of an operation which also saw a vehicle and a number of properties searched, and four firearms recovered.
The men, aged 46, 44, 40, 38, and two aged 34, were arrested on suspicion of robbery related offences, while four of them were also detained on suspicion of drug-related offences including possession of cocaine and cannabis.
All six remained in police custody last night assisting officers with enquiries.
A PSNI spokesperson said that along with four firearms, a taser was also recovered during Thursday's searches. The weapons will now be sent for forensic examination.
"A large volume of criminal property, including cash and clothing was also seized," the spokesperson said, adding that the arrests "are part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime".
"Information from the public is key in our continued efforts to stop those who profit from illegal activities. I would ask anyone with any information which can assist us to target these individuals to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," the spokesperson said.