The UDA South East Antrim Brigade was previously one of the six brigades of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and are heavily involved in the drug trade.[1][2] It is claimed they control "100%" of an illegal drugs network in south-east County Antrim, Northern Ireland.[3] A mural in support of the group lists its areas of activity as being Rathcoole (the mural's location), Rathfern, Monkstown, Glengormley and Whitewell, all of which are part of Newtownabbey, as well as Carrickfergus, the Shore Road, Greenisland, Ballymena, Whitehead, Antrim and Larne.[4] A newer mural in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey and flags have updated the areas to include Ballycarry, Ballyclare, the rural hinterland of Ballymena called 'Braidside' and despite not being in County Antrim, the town of Newtownards.[5] The Guardian has identified it as "one of the most dangerous factions".[6] The Irish News described the brigade as 'powerful' and at one time being 'the most bloody and murderous gang operating within the paramilitary organisation'.[2] Since 2007 the South East Antrim Brigade has operated independently of the UDA following a fall-out.
- ^ "Drugs seized in searches linked to South East Antrim UDA". BBC News. 4 September 2018.
- ^ a b "South East Antrim UDA: 'A criminal cartel wrapped in a flag'". BBC News. 21 March 2021.
- ^ "UDA member speaks out about threats and criminality - BBC News". BBC News. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
- ^ Mural directory from Conflict Archive on the Internet
- ^ New mural on Extramuralactivity.com
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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