Tension over drugs threats in Drumaness

Tension over drugs threats in Drumaness

27 November 2019

COMMUNITY tension over a drugs problem in Drumaness is continuing to rise, according to a local politician.

Slieve Croob councillor Cathy Mason says patience on the ground is also wearing thin over the issue with recent threats daubed on a wall in the village targeting alleged drug dealers.

She has been liaising with police, representatives from a number of statutory agencies and Sinn Fein colleagues Chris Hazzard MP and Emma Rogan MLA.

Cllr Mason said the local community was now at “breaking point” with increasing numbers of people concerned about the drugs issue.

“Over recent months we have received increasing reports from the community in relation to a number of known individuals who continue to deal drugs in the wider Drumaness area,” she continued.

“We have passed this information to the authorities and are aware that there are several lines of enquiry now active in this matter.”

Cllr Mason said while the local community understands that the PSNI must be entirely thorough in preparing for arrests, there is a growing fear that a prolonged delay is allowing alleged dealers to operate freely. 

“The local community want to see an increasingly proactive and zero-tolerance approach from all statutory agencies, particularly the PSNI,” she said.

“In the weeks ahead I will be facilitating a multi-agency meeting with the PSNI, local council, health and social care agencies and leading members of the local community and sporting organisations in Drumaness to help develop a joint community response to the drugs issue in Drumaness.”

Cllr Mason is also appealing to people in the village and surrounding area who can assist police with their investigations to get in touch with them using the 101 non-emergency number. Alternatively, they can contact the confidential Crimestoppers charity where information can be left anonymously. The contact number is 0800 555111.