16th arrest in organised-crime probe

A woman became the 16th person to be arrested in Derry last night following a series of police raids in the city in an operation targeting organised crime.

Six people have been charged with money-laundering and deception and are due to appear before magistrates on April 25.

Nine others have been released on police bail and one remained in custody.

The arrests followed a series of searches throughout the city, which saw homes and at least 10 businesses raided by police.

The police probe was focusing on suspected money-laundering and the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch and the Foyle District Command Unit were involved in the swoops and arrests on either side of the River Foyle.

Cigarettes were also seized.