Arms found in Ballymena, Co Antrim, were destined for loyalist paramilitaries, police said today.
A sub-machine gun, four pistols, ammunition and paramilitary clothing were uncovered during a planned operation at Church Road on the outskirts of the town last night.
Superintendent Terry Shevlin described it as a significant find.
"This was not weaponry which was hidden away or buried, it was certainly destined for some paramilitary group," he said.
"That is always very worrying and we will be following that line of inquiry.
"These firearms were destined for one thing and that's killing people."
He said the arms were found in out-buildings and inside a house.
A man and woman were arrested and are still being questioned by police.
