DETECTIVES FROM THE North’s Serious Crime Branch have described the terrorist hide uncovered at the weekend as one of the most significant seizures of munitions in recent years.
The stash was discovered in County Antrim after two walkers in the Capanagh Forest, outside Larne, noticed suspicious objects and notified the police.
Over the weekend, the PSNI uncovered three barrels filled with munitions hidden in holes in the woods.
Two Claymore anti-personnel mines, several pipe bombs, command wire, magazines and ammunition for an assault rifle were found in the barrels. An explosively formed projectile was also found which this is a device that can effectively penetrate armour.
The main line of inquiry will focus on dissident republican terrorists because of the fact that an “explosively formed projectile” was recovered which has an “armour-piercing capability”.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from Serious Crime Branch said:
The threat level in Northern Ireland from dissident republican groups remains severe, which means an attack is highly likely. It is vital that people remain vigilant, wherever they are and whatever they are doing.
The objects found will be forensically tested to try provide additional lines of inquiry.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from the Serious Crime Branch, said the seizure was significant in terms of its size and capability.
A number of these devices were ready to be deployed. This seizure has undoubtedly saved lives.
Detective Geddes also said they will be investigating a link to the find of munitions at Carnfunnock Country Park in the Larne area last March.
There are links in terms of the general location and the manner and method of storage and packaging of these munitions.
Anyone with is information is asked to contact the police on the non-emergency police number 101 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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