Northern Ireland

More arrests expected in Operation Arbacia

Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray.
Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray. Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray.

POLICE have said that 'Operation Arbacia' targeting the activities of the 'IRA' is far from over.

Dr Issam Hijjawi, who is an outspoken activist for Palestinian rights and lives in Edinburgh, is due to appear in court this morning after last night becoming the tenth person to be charged in connection with the PSNI/ MI5 operation.

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: "This is an ongoing and coordinated investigation into the activities of the New IRA and involves partners such as MI5, Police Scotland, An Garda Síochána and the Metropolitan Police Service."

Also charged yesterday was Co Tyrone man David Jordan. The well known republican from Pomeroy is married to Sharon Jordan (45), who was remanded into custody yesterday charged with a number of terror-related offences.

She appeared in court along with Kevin Barry Murphy (49) from Coalisland, Amanda McCabe (49), from Lurgan - also known as Mandy Duffy - Damien McLaughlin (44) from Ardboe, 32-year old Joseph Patrick Barr (32) from Derry, and 48-year old Gary Hayden also from Derry.

Ms Duffy's solicitor Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law told the court they will be "actively pursuing the issue of entrapment".

The arrests are based on covert recordings by MI5 at two venues. They also centre on an alleged double agent, named in court as Dennis McFadden, who has not been seen since last Wednesday when he left his home on the outskirts of north Belfast.

"It is clear from the last five days that Dennis McFadden, who is not in custody, organised the alleged meetings, facilitated by arranging venues, transport and finance," Ms McKeegan said.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday ACC Gray refused to answer specific questions about MI5 involvement in the sting operation saying: "This investigation did not start last week and it will not end this week.

“It is a longer term investigation that will look into every aspect of the activities of the New IRA in its entirety.

“Keeping the public safe is at the heart of this operation.

“Previous investigations have shown time and time again we have seen the New IRA does not care who it hurts or what it destroys.

“They do not care about the communities they come from – they care for no one. They are reckless, manipulative and they exploit," she said.

“We have seen how they send young people onto the streets, how they don’t care if kids are likely to find guns and explosives where they play.

“Policing with the community is at the heart of what we do, we are committed to working with communities, towards meaningful change."