L'Derry Graffiti Targets 'Drug Dealers'

Graffiti has appeared in various places in L’Derry which claims to expose the names of members of the community involved in the illegal drugs trade.

The tagging has been spotted in numerous parts of the city, including the Top of the Hill area of the Waterside.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said attempts have been made to remove the illegal graffiti, but that it continues to crop up.

He said that the people mentioned in the graffiti have been contacting him, afraid for their own safety.

"I am calling on those responsible for this vandalism to stop immediately”, he said.

"No-one in this community has the right nor the power to hand down judgement on anyone who they say may be involved in crime."

Mr Ramsey said the graffiti had been created by "sinister elements within the community with an agenda.

"It is absolutely appalling to me and the wider community that any individual or group for that matter, would think they have some form of summary justice power where they can name individuals and seek to relate them to crime."

He continued: "The only system that can or should be involved where a crime - alleged or otherwise - has taken place, is the criminal justice system.

"It would fit the people who are seeking to blacken the name of individuals better if they put their money where their paint brushes are.

"They should speak to the police, and stand in front of a judge and jury to testify against people they accuse of crimes. Otherwise, they should wise up."

(IT/GK)