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02/07/2013
PSNI Is 'Not Protecting Dealers'
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris has said the police do not protect drug dealers.
He was responding after Health Minister Edwin Poots told BBC Radio Ulster he would not be surprised if it was discovered that the PSNI was working with drug dealers in exchange for information on individuals higher up the drug trafficking chain.
The comments followed eight unexplained recent deaths in Northern Ireland, which are suspected to have been caused by contaminated green pills circulating among drug users.
The PSNI is still investigating the deaths.
ACC Drew Harris said: "The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded."
Almost 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI last year over drug offences.
There were over 4,400 drug seizures valued at £10.2m.
First Minister Peter Robinson said of the deaths: "I am deeply disturbed that young lives have been cut short through the peddling of this dangerous substance. Those responsible for circulating this drug have wrecked families and destroyed lives. They need to be brought before our courts and held to account.
"In East Belfast it is well known who is involved in the drugs trade. The entire community should work with the police to ensure these drugs are taken off our streets and those plying that trade are put out of business. I trust the police will work tirelessly to clamp down on this trade.
"Drug abuse throughout Northern Ireland is a massive concern for me and indeed, for all parents and grandparents. We want to see our young people grow up and enjoy their youth free from horrors of drugs."
(IT/JP)
He was responding after Health Minister Edwin Poots told BBC Radio Ulster he would not be surprised if it was discovered that the PSNI was working with drug dealers in exchange for information on individuals higher up the drug trafficking chain.
The comments followed eight unexplained recent deaths in Northern Ireland, which are suspected to have been caused by contaminated green pills circulating among drug users.
The PSNI is still investigating the deaths.
ACC Drew Harris said: "The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded."
Almost 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI last year over drug offences.
There were over 4,400 drug seizures valued at £10.2m.
First Minister Peter Robinson said of the deaths: "I am deeply disturbed that young lives have been cut short through the peddling of this dangerous substance. Those responsible for circulating this drug have wrecked families and destroyed lives. They need to be brought before our courts and held to account.
"In East Belfast it is well known who is involved in the drugs trade. The entire community should work with the police to ensure these drugs are taken off our streets and those plying that trade are put out of business. I trust the police will work tirelessly to clamp down on this trade.
"Drug abuse throughout Northern Ireland is a massive concern for me and indeed, for all parents and grandparents. We want to see our young people grow up and enjoy their youth free from horrors of drugs."
(IT/JP)
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NI Drug Deaths Double
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NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
01 March 2022
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A total of 218 drug-related deaths were registered in NI in 2020, the highest number of record and a continuation of an upwards trend. The figure was revealed in the latest report on Drug-related and drug-misuse deaths in Northern Ireland, 2010-2020, published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
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17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
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A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
