Police from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force searched three properties in the Oldpark area of north Belfast on Tuesday, 10 March. The action targeted criminality connected to the west Belfast UDA.

Officers took away suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs, drugs paraphernalia, suspected Class B edibles, tobacco, and cash. The items went for forensic tests.

A 36-year-old woman and 39-year-old man faced charges for drug offences. These covered possession of Class A drugs, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of Class B drugs, and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.

They also received charges for possessing criminal property, concealing criminal property, evading excise duty and VAT, and entering an arrangement to acquire criminal property.

Both are set to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 11 March. The Public Prosecution Service will review the charges.

A 34-year-old man arrested in the probe was released on police bail for further inquiries.