Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, investigating suspected criminal activity linked to the east Belfast UVF, conducted searches at business and residential properties in the Newtownards and Comber areas on Friday, April 28.

Detective Sergeant Thompson said: “During the searches, a number of items were seized including a quantity of cash, a number of high-value watches, electrical items and suspected drugs paraphernalia, which will be examined in due course.

“We will continue to work with communities and partners to disrupt those involved in criminal activity and reduce the harm they cause to our society.

“I would appeal to anyone with information or concerns about illegal activity, or anyone with any information that can assist our investigations, to call police on 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”