Two men have been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court for a number of offences as a result of an investigation by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force into the activities of the east Belfast UVF.

James McGrogan, aged 37, and 32-year-old Christopher Cullen were both convicted today, Thursday 18th April, for a number of drug-related offences.

Both men had previously entered guilty pleas to the offences of possession of a Class A controlled drug, possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class C controlled drug, and possession of a Class C controlled drug with intent to supply.

Commenting, Detective Sergeant Crothers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force said: “On Saturday, 25th March 2023 detectives carried out a search of a vehicle near the Knock Carriageway in east Belfast.

“A quantity of Class A and Class C controlled drugs were seized as well as drug-related paraphernalia and a sum of money.

“Both defendants were arrested at the scene and officers carried out a subsequent search of a property – where a small quantity of Class A controlled drugs were recovered.

“James McGrogan was sentenced to four years in prison and was ordered to serve half of his sentence in custody and half on licence.

“Meanwhile, Christopher Cullen was sentenced to three years in prison, and will also serve half of his sentence in custody and the remainder on Licence.

“The fact that both men were brought before the court offers reassurance that we, along with partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with criminal and drug-related activity.

“This remains a priority for the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) and we will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those who are intent on damaging our communities.

“I would encourage anyone with information that could assist in our ongoing efforts to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”

 You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/