The Paramilitary Crime Task Force has seized cannabis worth around £90,000 in an operation targeting the South East Antrim UDA.
A “significant” cannabis factory was uncovered during a planned search in the Carrickfergus area, police say.
the plants were “a combination of mature plants and seedlings” and were discovered during a search of “vacant licensed premises” and two residential properties in the town.
Cannabis clones for sale online were also discovered.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields added: “The Paramilitary Crime Task Force continues to disrupt the criminality linked to organised criminals who brand themselves under the convenient label of paramilitarism.
“The substantial number of cannabis plants seized demonstrates that members of South East Antrim UDA are steeped in drugs criminality. Ironically and hypocritically, the same people involved in the supply of cannabis and other drugs within the Carrickfergus community, are the very people carrying out paramilitary style attacks on drugs dealers within the area.
“Today the PCTF has prevented hundreds of cannabis plants from being cultivated and circulated in the area and having the potential to harm local people. Buying and using cannabis, even on a casual or recreational basis, can cause huge damage to people and communities.
“The facts are that illegal drugs can kill, they ruin lives, and they fund organised crime gangs who are responsible for intimidation and violence within our communities. We want people to consider when they hand over their money to a drug dealer, where that money goes and what it’s used for; that it’s not being invested for the good of the community.