Two men have been charged with a series of offences after an intelligence
operation linked to dissident republicans in the North.
A 35-year-old man faces eight charges, including attempted murder, having information about members of the security force and possession of firearms including an AK47 assault rifle.
His 34-year-old co-accused faces four charges, including attempted murder and making threats to kill.
Both men are due to appear at Laganside Magistrates' Court in Belfast tomorrow.
Organised Crime Branch detectives made the arrests as part of an intelligence-led offensive on an alleged extortion racket against members of the travelling community.
Police searched eight houses after the arrests were made in the Dargan industrial estate area of north Belfast on Monday.
As well as seizing three vehicles, five real and replica handguns, a shotgun and AK47 were recovered.
Ammunition and component parts for an explosive device were also found. Detectives also discovered a notebook containing the personal details of members of the security forces, believed to be both military and police during the operation.
Sources close to the investigation said it was linked to the dissident republican Continuity IRA, a terror group opposed to the Northern Ireland peace process.