AN under-pressure north Armagh drugs cartel has ordered a clear-out of guns, drugs and other materials from its Lurgan base as the pressure mounts on police to take action.
It is understood that in recent weeks gang members linked to 'The Firm' have moved drugs and firearms from the Co Armagh town over fears they could be seized during PSNI raids.
The Lurgan-based gang controls much of the drugs trade in north Armagh and beyond.
It has been linked to murders and shootings across the region in recent years, including the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan last month.
Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian this week called for a “sustained policing operation" against the ruthless gang.
There is also understood to be growing anger in the community after it emerged that a recent suicide in the Craigavon area may have been linked to a drug debt owed to 'The Firm'.
It is believed that relatives of those who owe money are also being intimidated.
The core membership is said to consist of between 40-50 people who are drawn from across the community divide.
On Monday a major PSNI operation, which involved six properties being searched in the Garvaghy road area of Portadown, resulted in the seizure of nine suspected firearms, drugs and cash.
A man in his 20s, who was arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearms-related offences, was released on bail.
In a follow-up operation a small cannabis factory was uncovered in the same area with an estimated street value of £32,000.
