Cash seized in Omagh raid linked to INLA paramilitaries

A spokesperson said the PSNI was committed to tackling organised crime from paramilitary groups

    PCTF - Paramilitary Crime Task Force        raid property in Omagh linked to the                       INLA paramilitaries 

                   15th July, 2022. 

Cash and other items have been seized at a property in Omagh by police investigating paramilitary activity.

Police officers from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force raided the property on Thursday, July 14, as part of an investigation into criminality linked to the INLA.

A spokesperson said the PSNI was committed to tackling organised crime from paramilitary groups.

"Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have seized a quantity of cash and other items during a search of a property in Omagh on Thursday, as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the INLA," the PSNI said.

Detective Sergeant Corinne Lennox said: “Following a proactive search of a property in the Omagh area we recovered a quantity of cash and a number of other items.

“The searches and seizures are a demonstration of the PCTF’s commitment to tackle all types of organised criminality linked to paramilitaries, in an ongoing effort to rid our communities of the harm these groups cause and of their coercive control.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would like to thank the local community for their continued support and will continue to act on the information you provide us.

With many thanks to: Belfast Live and Conor Coyle Fermanagh and Tyrone reporter for the original publication. 

Follow these links to find out more information on this story: PSNI whistleblowers to appear in court

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Cash seized in Omagh raid linked to paramilitaries

PSNI/RUC recover drugs haul during East Belfast UVF investigation

A quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs have been seized by police following a search operation in east and south Belfast on Wednesday. 

                   May 11th, 2022. 

PSNI/RUC detectives for the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) recovered the suspected haul of drugs after searches in Ridgeway Street and Euston Street. 

The investigation is part of their ongoing probe into drugs and racketeering activity linked to the East Belfast UVF. 

     Are the UVF really still on ceasefire? 

Drugs supply paraphernalia was also recovered during the searches. 

PSNI/RUC Detective Inspector Maguire said: "I would like to thank the community for their continued support in removing drugs which could have caused serious harm and addiction issues. 

"We will listen to the community and act on information they provide, so I would encourage members of the public with information regarding drug dealing to call 101, or you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via the following link: PSNI make a report online

"The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online by following this link address: Crimestoppers anonymous Online

With many thanks to the: Belfast Telegraph and Christopher Leebody for the original publication. 

Follow these links to find out more on this story and more on the illegal terrorist organisation of the UVF: Suspected 'UVF dissident' Jamie Bryson warns republican dissidents over threats to loyalists

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PSNI/RUC recover drugs haul during East Belfast UVF investigation

Drugs charges after search carried out in East Belfast UVF probe

A 51-YEAR-OLD man was charged with drug offences last night following a search by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force in south Belfast.

The search of a premises on French Park Street on Wednesday was carried out as part of an investigation into the East Belfast UVF. Suspected class-A drugs supply paraphernalia. A 51-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

    East Belfast UVF - For Drugs And Ulster 

He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on May 19th charged with possession of a class-A controlled drug and possession of a class-A controlled drug with intent to supply.

A police spokesman said: "The seizure of any amount of harmful class A drugs is significant.

"It reflects the Paramilitary Crime Task Force's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the community and their public health."

With many thanks to: The Irish News and Marie Louise McConville for the original publication. 

BRYSON'S COHORT AND PARTNER IN CRIME TOLD 'HIT THE ROAD DEE'!

UVF MEMBERS APPEAL TO BOSS FOR                MCCONNELL'S EXPULSION

                         EXCLUSIVE 

DISSAFFECTED UVF members have made a direct appeal to the Shankill Road leadership to expel crimeland hate figure David 'Dee' McConnell from the organisation. The Sunday World understands a direct approach has been made to veteran Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham to intervene in East Belfast and kick McConnell out for good.

Outcast McConnell, once one of the untouchables in the East Belfast UVF, has come under increasing pressure, with the leadership facing repeated calls for him to be expelled. Demands that he be kicked out have intensified in recent months after a series of indiscretions. 

Last month he was allegedly caught inside the house of a woman in the city who raised the alarm when disturbed by the sound of a man forcing his way into her home. The incident was the straw that broke the camels back for many East Belfast members. It brought unwanted police attention to the east at a time when the organised crime gang is under intense scrutiny from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. Sources in the east of the city have described McConnell as "a liability and a loose cannon. It's as if he can just go anywhere and do whatever he likes," said our source, "if anyone else had done what he has done in the past we would not be allowed to set foot back in the east ever again." 

The Sunday World understands at least one veteran UVF man and someone else close to the East Belfast leadership has made his concerns clear to the organisation's Shankill Road HQ. They have been powerless to rein in the east as they have effectively broken away from the central leadership, but the fact disquiet has been brought to the door of Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham (pictured below), is an indication of the anger on the ground. "If the East Belfast UVF leadership won't do anything about him, we have to turn to the Shankill," said our source. 

While not quite a revolt, East Belfast will be concerned that members' frustration has reached the point of going to the Shankill. McConnell was stood down as East Belfast UVF Commander a few years ago after he was caught with his hands in the till, dealing drugs on the side and without the knowledge of the leadership and pocketing all the profits. 

Because of his close ties with top figures in the East Belfast UVF, he was simply busted as commander but remained a UVF member. 

He moved to Scotland where he is in a relationship with a woman. But he is still a frequent presence in his native city. "It's just poisoning the waters for the rest of us," our source said. "It would be better if he wasn't around." 

With many thanks to the: Sunday World and the EXCLUSIVE original story by Richard Sullivan - richard.sullivan@sudayworld.com 

Follow this link to find out more information on David 'Dee' McConnell: David 'Dee' McConnell UVF Commander East Belfast