Detectives from Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit (TUI) conducted four searches yesterday (5 August) in relation to an ongoing investigation into criminality linked to the New IRA.
A 41-year-old man and a 42-year-old man were arrested and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in Belfast for questioning.
While the exact amount seized is undisclosed, police described the money as a “substantial sum”.
Detective chief inspector Andrew Hamlin from the TIU said yesterday: “Today’s search and arrest operation was in connection with illegal waste disposal by East Tyrone New IRA and associated criminal enterprises for the purposes of terrorist funding.
“During one of the searches carried out today we uncovered a substantial sum of cash concealed in a recycling bin and safe. This has now been seized for further examination.”
With an area of 1,218 square miles, Tyrone is the largest county in Northern Ireland. The market towns of Cookstown and Dungannon are the main settlements in the eastern part of the county.
Criminal activities
DCI Hamlin said the police needed the help of the public to tackle the criminal activities of dissident republicans.
He said: “We will continue to disrupt the criminal activities of violent dissident republicans as our focus is on keeping the community safe and protecting them from the threat posed by these violent groups through violence and exploitation. But we need the help of the public.
“Our chances of success are vastly improved by support and information from community as the search and arrest operation over the last two days demonstrates. I would strongly urge people to report any suspicions they have about dangerous and illegal activity in our community to police.”
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