Concern after drugs find in Ballynahinch

Concern after drugs find in Ballynahinch

18 November 2020

A LOCAL politician has praised police for the seizure of suspected Class A drugs in Ballynahinch.

Officers discovered a quantity of drugs formed in the shape of Minion characters last Saturday afternoon, warning that the consequences for those who could have taken them as “disastrous”.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker has praised police for removing the drugs off the street and appealed to people in the market town and across the district to be vigilant.

He appealed to young people to stay away from drugs and for their parents to hammer home the same message, given the grip that such substances can have on people’s lives.

Cllr Walker said while it is not a surprise that drugs are available in parts of the district, he warned of the danger of getting involved with those operating in the criminal underworld.

“It would be particularly naive to suggest that the district is drugs free as we know that this is simply not the case,” he continued.

“The fact that drugs are widely available is deeply troubling and given the latest find in Ballynahinch I would appeal to anyone who knows those who are taking drugs or who is supplying them to contact police immediately.”

Cllr Walker said drugs ruin lives and can lead to those who take them turning to a life of crime in order to finance their addiction.

He believes that everyone has a role to play in trying to deal with the drugs problem including parents, teachers, youth group, church and other community leaders. 

“Action is needed to tackle the issue and those with influence must do everything they can to warn young people in particular about the dangers and potentially fatal consequences of dabbling in drugs,” he continued.

“I believe that working to tackle the issue can help save lives and spare families from the pain of facing into the future without loved ones taken from them by drugs and the unscrupulous dealers who supply them.”

Cllr Walker also believes that increased support for the police and statutory agencies would help combat the drugs issue and said those who know individuals supplying drugs need to contact the police.

Officers who discovered the drugs in Ballynahinch last weekend are keen to hear from anyone who can assist them with their enquiries.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact officers on the non-emergency 101 number or get in touch via https://www.psni.police.uk/contact-us/). 

Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.