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26/11/2002
Six arrested over republican arms smuggling
Six people have been arrested by police in Antrim and north Belfast today in connection with suspected arms smuggling.
It is understood that the four men and two women were arrested following investigations into the alleged importation of arms by republican terrorists.
Police have connected the arrests today with the arms ring, which was broken up in Florida in 1999, and with four arrests in the Republic last month.
The operation was the result of several months of intensive co-operation between the FBI, PSNI, Gardai and constabularies in Great Britain. The PSNI have now taken over principle control of the investigation as the lead security organisation.
In June 2000, a Florida jury found three men guilty of smuggling weapons for the IRA. The authorities were alerted when the Royal Mail in Coventry uncovered a consignment of guns at a postal sorting office. The FBI were informed and, in a joint operation with the then RUC and Scotland Yard, a total of 122 guns were intercepted before the trap was sprung and arrests were made.
It is believed that a number of the guns which were sent from Florida three years ago have not yet been accounted for.
(GMcG)
It is understood that the four men and two women were arrested following investigations into the alleged importation of arms by republican terrorists.
Police have connected the arrests today with the arms ring, which was broken up in Florida in 1999, and with four arrests in the Republic last month.
The operation was the result of several months of intensive co-operation between the FBI, PSNI, Gardai and constabularies in Great Britain. The PSNI have now taken over principle control of the investigation as the lead security organisation.
In June 2000, a Florida jury found three men guilty of smuggling weapons for the IRA. The authorities were alerted when the Royal Mail in Coventry uncovered a consignment of guns at a postal sorting office. The FBI were informed and, in a joint operation with the then RUC and Scotland Yard, a total of 122 guns were intercepted before the trap was sprung and arrests were made.
It is believed that a number of the guns which were sent from Florida three years ago have not yet been accounted for.
(GMcG)
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Four men arrested after Coleraine arms find
Four men have been arrested after weapons were discovered in a car in County Londonderry. Two guns, ammunition, four balaclavas, gloves and other items were seized when police in Coleraine stopped a car on Wednesday November 21. Detectives said the car was stopped on the Ballycastle Road in the town shortly after 9pm.
Four men arrested after Coleraine arms find
Four men have been arrested after weapons were discovered in a car in County Londonderry. Two guns, ammunition, four balaclavas, gloves and other items were seized when police in Coleraine stopped a car on Wednesday November 21. Detectives said the car was stopped on the Ballycastle Road in the town shortly after 9pm.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
