Police announce operation to target street drug dealers

The PSNI are targeting street drug dealers

The PSNI has launched an operation aimed at cracking down on street level drug dealing in the North West.

It's part of Operation Torus, a Northern Ireland wide initiative, which aims to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs.

The police say they have arrested 78 people over the past four weeks.

Just last week the PSNI recovered nearly £400,000 worth of drugs in Magherafelt

Operation Torus combines police action against dealers on the ground and a media campaign which incorporates billboards, Facebook and washroom advertising that will run until October.

Detective Chief Inspector Garry Eaton said, "Drugs are always a priority for us and Operation Torus is a welcome enhancement to our ongoing drugs operations.

"We know that street-level drug dealing is happening across our District and we need the help and support of local communities to remove this activity from our streets.

"If you know that illegal drugs are being sold or distributed in your area, please pick up the phone and contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

"The types of drugs we regularly seize during our operations include cannabis, herbal cannabis, cocaine, mephadrone and prescription drugs and sadly they bring untold misery to individuals, families and communities."

Dangers

DCI Eaton also called on family members to be vigilant

"I would warn people to be mindful of the dangers of taking illegal drugs or misusing prescription medication or other chemical products.

"Parents need to be responsible, knowing where their children are and what they are doing. Young people who take illegal drugs may get into dangerous situations or activities that they would not normally dream of doing.

"It may also lead to a criminal record which can damage employment and travel prospects. In addition, this type of behaviour has the potential to seriously affect the quality of life for many residents in a community.

"We are determined to disrupt and arrest drug dealers and bring individuals before the courts. We will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity. We would ask everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system."