Menu
08/01/2019
Belfast Hit By 10 Drug-Related Deaths In December
The last month has seen 10 suspected drug-related deaths in the greater Belfast area, sparking concern across the community.
PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said while the cause of death is not definitively known, the use of illicit or prescription drugs may have been a factor.
Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithí Flynn expressed worry at the spate of suspected drug related fatalities, and offered her condolences to those affected.
"News that ten people have died as a result of drug abuse in the greater Belfast area over the Christmas period is shocking and very concerning," the west Belfast MLA said.
"My thoughts are with all of those touched by these deaths and their families.
"It is a stark reminder of the dangers of the abuse of drugs in our society.
"I would appeal to anyone who is concerned about their own drug use or that of others and those worried they may have come into contact with any harmful substances to seek medical advice immediately and contact the many groups who are doing valued work combating the scourge of drug abuse."
The majority of fatalities relating to drug abuse in Northern Ireland occur when someone has taken more than one substance, including alcohol.
Police made 6,771 seizures of illicit substances in the year ending 30 September 2018.
A total of 3,310 drug-related arrests were made in the same period, up by 469 on the previous year.
"These sustained high levels of drug seizure incidents reflect the proactive work by the PSNI in response to concerns about drugs within our communities," Detective Superintendent Singleton added.
(JG)
PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said while the cause of death is not definitively known, the use of illicit or prescription drugs may have been a factor.
Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithí Flynn expressed worry at the spate of suspected drug related fatalities, and offered her condolences to those affected.
"News that ten people have died as a result of drug abuse in the greater Belfast area over the Christmas period is shocking and very concerning," the west Belfast MLA said.
"My thoughts are with all of those touched by these deaths and their families.
"It is a stark reminder of the dangers of the abuse of drugs in our society.
"I would appeal to anyone who is concerned about their own drug use or that of others and those worried they may have come into contact with any harmful substances to seek medical advice immediately and contact the many groups who are doing valued work combating the scourge of drug abuse."
The majority of fatalities relating to drug abuse in Northern Ireland occur when someone has taken more than one substance, including alcohol.
Police made 6,771 seizures of illicit substances in the year ending 30 September 2018.
A total of 3,310 drug-related arrests were made in the same period, up by 469 on the previous year.
"These sustained high levels of drug seizure incidents reflect the proactive work by the PSNI in response to concerns about drugs within our communities," Detective Superintendent Singleton added.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 January 2019
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
20 June 2019
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
05 June 2014
PSNI Warning Over Drug-Related Deaths
The PSNI has said that a senior detective has been coordinating investigations in drug-related deaths last year. The deaths have been the subject of detailed investigation locally by District officers. Detective Superintendent McMullan's investigations are said to be attempting to ensure "any possible linkages are made and progressed".
PSNI Warning Over Drug-Related Deaths
The PSNI has said that a senior detective has been coordinating investigations in drug-related deaths last year. The deaths have been the subject of detailed investigation locally by District officers. Detective Superintendent McMullan's investigations are said to be attempting to ensure "any possible linkages are made and progressed".
28 January 2004
Former ‘Drugs Tsar’ to deliver City Hall seminar
Keith Hellawell, the former UK government ‘drugs tsar’ will be the keynote speaker at a forthcoming seminar about the impact changes in the legislation relating to drugs classification at Belfast City Hall. Mr Hellawell famously resigned his position in June 2002, in protest at the government’s stance on changes in drugs legislation.
Former ‘Drugs Tsar’ to deliver City Hall seminar
Keith Hellawell, the former UK government ‘drugs tsar’ will be the keynote speaker at a forthcoming seminar about the impact changes in the legislation relating to drugs classification at Belfast City Hall. Mr Hellawell famously resigned his position in June 2002, in protest at the government’s stance on changes in drugs legislation.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties. Winds easing and becoming westerly through the early hours. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
