Anger over drugs find in local estate

Anger over drugs find in local estate

25 March 2015

THE discovery of a quantity of a drugs at a Downpatrick housing estate has sparked an angry response from a local community group and politicians.

A bag containing an amphetamine commonly known as speed was discovered in the Colmcille Road area of the Model Farm estate on Wednesday of last week but, contrary to initial media reports, the substance was not found in a playground.

A small plastic bag containing the powdery drug was found by a 10 year-old girl lying on the ground close to a number of homes at the estate away from the play area. The schoolgirl handed the amphetamine to her mother who passed the drug on to police.

Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, chairman of the Flying Horse Ward Community Forum, said many people are rightly concerned drugs were found lying in the area. He confirmed while it was reported the drugs were found in a popular children’s play area, this was not the case.

“The drugs were found away from the play area but the Forum is nevertheless greatly concerned at what happened. A child should not be finding drugs in the street,” he declared. 

“This is not the sort of thing we want to see happening and this is a cause for concern. We do not want to see this sort of thing happening in our area. It is particularly worrying there are those carrying this substance about with them.”

Mr McConvey said he is pleased the child who found the drugs had the presence of mind not to open the bag containing the amphetamine and gave it straight to her mother.

Downpatrick councillors Colin McGrath and Naomi Bailie have expressed concern that a child could have been exposed to a very dangerous drug and both urged parents to be vigilant and tell their children how to react if they find something suspicious or dangerous looking.

Councillor McGrath, who has appealed to anyone with information about the discovery of the drug to contact police, said it’s fortunate the child was not exposed to the amphetamine.

“This incident highlights the total disregard those involved in drugs and drug dealing have for our community and our children. It is important whoever displayed such disregard for public safety in the Colmcille Road area answers for 

their actions. I hope this was an isolated incident and will not be repeated,” he added.

Councillor Bailie declared “any drugs in this community are unwelcome” and described the harm the drug could have caused as “unthinkable.” She urged drug dealers and those who use drugs to stay away from the Model Farm estate.

She added: ”Thank goodness the child in question was sensible enough and reacted appropriately by handing the substance over to her mother. Had another younger child found this package, the outcome could have been much more serious. 

“Police are investigating the incident and anyone with any information about drugs in this community should immediately report it to the PSNI. This can be done anonymously so no one should feel there are any barriers in bringing 

information of this nature to the authorities.”

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries can contact the PSNI using the 101 number while information can be left anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.