COLOUR PARTY UNIFORMS SEIZED IN RAIDS
COLOUR party uniforms belonging to Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) were seized during police raids in Craigavon last week.
The uniforms were due to be used during annual Easter commemoration in Lurgan this Saturday.
It is understood as many as 18 uniforms were taken from a house in the Drumbeg estate on Friday.
Sources say the uniforms were bought to replace two sets previously taken by the RUC/PSNI and they are regularly used during events organised by the hardline party.
The same set of uniforms is believed to have been used by a guard of honour at the funeral of Co Donegal republican Joe O’Neill (pictured above) who died last year.
The items recovered included trousers, jumpers, boots, scarves and berets.
While it is not clear why they were seized it is understood a number of people arrested in the North Armagh area recently have been questioned about images that appeared in a calendar produced by Republican Sinn Fein.
RSF spokesman Martin Duffy condemned the RUC/PSNI operation, claiming it was “heavy handed.”
“This happens the same time every year when Republican Sinn Féin is holding a commemoration,” he said.
“It’s just harassment to try and stop it but they won’t stop it.”
Meanwhile, a shotgun was also discovered during a search of another property nearby on Friday.
A 49-year-old man and 52-year-old woman arrested at the time were later released.
With many thanks to: Connla Young, The Irish News.
