Warned by drug dealers

Warned by drug dealers

20 July 2022

A CROSSGAR man says he will not be intimidated by drug dealers who are operating near his home.

The man has been threatened and his house and car have been attacked, but he is refusing to be silenced.

Police say they are aware of what they describe as “ongoing issues” in Crossgar, while a local politician is urging local people to get in touch with the PSNI if they are aware of drug dealing taking place.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the dealers are openly selling drugs in alleyways and from their homes.

He says he first became suspicious when he saw groups of people “hanging around” near his home.

“I thought nothing about it to begin with, but then I saw a man selling drugs. I went up to him and told him to stop, but he just denied that he was doing anything wrong,” he continued.

“Then I saw another person selling drugs. When I confronted him, he threatened to get the Real IRA for me.

“Last week they sent a young lad who looked no older than 14 to my house. He told me that he was going to come back with more people.

“I felt threatened and frightened, so I contacted the police who came to see me.”

Despite the intimidation, the man is determined to speak out and wants the drug dealers out of Crossgar.

“They’ve damaged my car and thrown bottles at my house, but I want the public to know what is happening,” he remarked.

“The harassment is ongoing because I am standing up to these people. We do not want drugs in our community and I do not want to see young people ruining their lives because of drugs.”

Local SDLP councillor Terry Andrews said drug dealing was a “scourge on society and should not be tolerated”.

He remarked: “If anyone is aware of drug dealing or related issues in Crossgar or any of our local towns and villages, I would urge them to get contact the police or Crimestoppers and bring those responsible to account.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are aware of ongoing issues in the area and enquiries are continuing.

“Local officers would appeal to anyone with any information that could assist to contact them on 101.

“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.