A 48 year old man arrested in Derry on Thursday as part of a major investigation into the supply of £750,000 worth of drugs and money laundering has been released pending a report to the PPS.
A 34 year old man and a 25 year old woman arrested in Newtownabbey as part of the same investigation both remain in custody at this time.
During a search of a house in the Newtownabbey area yesterday police seized a loaded handgun, machete, knife, stab proof vest, quantity of cash and cash counting machine.
The man and a 25 year old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
The man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property and converting criminal property which relates to the purchase of high end watches (£15k)
They have both been taken to Antrim Police Station where they are being questioned by detectives.
Detective Inspector Tom McClure said: “The arrests are linked to the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected Cocaine and Herbal Cannabis with an estimated street value of over £750,000 that was seized from a vehicle that was stopped by police in Belfast on 08 February 2017.
“This was a significant haul of drugs recovered by our officers as part of a proactive operation targeting criminals intent on making money from illicit drugs.
“I am pleased to have removed a suspected firearm and ammunition which had the potential to cause serious harm .
“We will continue in our efforts to make Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work by proactively investigating and arresting people involved in serious criminality.
“The supply of controlled drugs by gangs is the cause of significant harm in our communities.
“And those who involve themselves in such criminality should expect to end up in a prison cell. There is no place in our society for these individuals who are only interested in making money for their own personal gain at the expense of others.
“They do not care that their actions could end up killing people. Drugs not only affect the person taking them, their families and the community also suffer.
“I would ask anyone who has any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
