35 held in clamp down on supply of illegal drugs in Belfast

BELFAST: Some 35 people have been arrested in recent weeks in a clampdown on the supply of illegal drugs in Belfast. The arrests were made and five properties searched by police over the last 17 days during an operation aimed at reducing the supply and demand of illegal drugs in the city centre and across the wider south Belfast area.

The PSNI’s South Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said police have seized a large quantity of suspected class A, B and C drugs, as well as fireworks, illegal cigarettes, CS Spray and a baton.

“One of the priorities in our local policing plan across south Belfast is to protect vulnerable people who are at most risk of harm caused by illegal drugs,” he said.

“We have listened to what the public and the business community have told us and we have acted to keep people safe. “My focus and that of all officers will remain concentrated on dealing with drugs and all the issues that brings within the area. “On Friday November 17 officers launched a new operation, focusing on illegal drug use and supply across the city centre and south Belfast areas. As part of the operation we have been conducting proactive activity and responding to information received from the community.

“Between the start of the operation and today, Monday December 4, we have made 35 arrests, charged three people, issued 10 community resolution notices, with a number of files being prepared for the PPS and other investigations ongoing.

“A number of items have also been seized, including a large quantity of suspected class A, B and C drugs, fireworks, illegal cigarettes, CS Spray and a baton.”Mr Lowry said police “remain committed to removing dangerous drugs like these from our streets and arresting those who peddle such drugs”.

“Their only motivation is greed and they have little interest in the misery these drugs cause to everyone,” he added.“Police would ask if anyone has any information about suspected drug dealing in their area to call the non-emergency number 101.”