UVF drug dealing in east Belfast has created a "health crisis" it has been claimed.
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite spoke out after reports that the loyalist group in east Belfast claims to have expelled 20 "once prominent members".
Widely viewed as little more than a drug dealing gang, the UVF in east Belfast is thought to have a tense relationship with the group's Shankill Road leadership.
In recent years it has regularly been targeted by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force.
On Saturday officers from that unit seized class A drugs, a quantity of white powder and prescription medication, with an estimated value in excess of £100,000 along with £30,000 in cash after a car was stopped on Montgomery Road in east Belfast.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and possessing criminal property.
A spokesman for the PSNI later said the "operation demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force to protecting communities and dismantling the supply of illegal drugs linked to East Belfast UVF".
It has been reported that police linked the paramilitary group to all drug dealing in east Belfast during a sentencing hearing for Robert ‘Rab’ Osborne last week. He had admitted possessing 4kg of cannabis with intent to supply.
Judge Mark Reel said: “The police case would be that whenever there is drug activity in east Belfast the person involved in it, engages in it, either with the consent of the east Belfast UVF, to be allowed to do it, or they conduct it on behalf of the east Belfast UVF.”
In a statement to the Sunday Life the organisation said it opposed drug dealing.
"East Belfast UVF wishes to state unequivocally the East Belfast leadership’s opposition to, and condemnation of, the nefarious drugs trade," it claimed.
"Those involved do not represent loyalism or the UVF."
Despite being almost 30 years on from the UVF's 1994 ceasefire, and 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement was signed, the group's east Belfast unit claimed it is still attempting to transition.
“There has been significant progress made in the past number of years in regards implementing a process of transition, however it is accepted that more work needs to be done. In the coming months this process will continue," it said.
“The long-standing East Belfast UVF leadership is wholly committed to preserving the sacrifice of the UVF during the conflict period, and alongside ensuring the union is safe, delivering an innovative and genuine process of positive transition.”
Mr de Faoite said local people have rejected the UVF.
"Twenty five years on from the agreement it beggars belief that criminal cartels like east Belfast UVF continue to operate," he said.
"Their day is past and the people of this city have consistently chosen peace and hope, over their violence and fear."
He suggested the group's drug dealing activities have caused a local health crisis.
"I welcome the PSNI’s continued success in east Belfast against these drug gangs, who bring misery to our streets and neighbourhoods," he said.
"Their criminal drug dealing has created a health crisis which must be dealt with."
Mr de Faoite said he will continue to oppose paramilitaries.
"Those of us who stand against paramilitarism will remain resolute in the face of any attempts to threaten or silence us," he added.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said: "The UVF shouldn’t exist in its totality. For too long, our society has had to put up with their toxic control and influence and so we are repeating our calls for it to leave the stage entirely."
