02/07/2013
PSNI Is 'Not Protecting Dealers'
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris has said the police do not protect drug dealers.
He was responding after Health Minister Edwin Poots told BBC Radio Ulster he would not be surprised if it was discovered that the PSNI was working with drug dealers in exchange for information on individuals higher up the drug trafficking chain.
The comments followed eight unexplained recent deaths in Northern Ireland, which are suspected to have been caused by contaminated green pills circulating among drug users.
The PSNI is still investigating the deaths.
ACC Drew Harris said: "The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded."
Almost 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI last year over drug offences.
There were over 4,400 drug seizures valued at £10.2m.
First Minister Peter Robinson said of the deaths: "I am deeply disturbed that young lives have been cut short through the peddling of this dangerous substance. Those responsible for circulating this drug have wrecked families and destroyed lives. They need to be brought before our courts and held to account.
"In East Belfast it is well known who is involved in the drugs trade. The entire community should work with the police to ensure these drugs are taken off our streets and those plying that trade are put out of business. I trust the police will work tirelessly to clamp down on this trade.
"Drug abuse throughout Northern Ireland is a massive concern for me and indeed, for all parents and grandparents. We want to see our young people grow up and enjoy their youth free from horrors of drugs."
(IT/JP)
He was responding after Health Minister Edwin Poots told BBC Radio Ulster he would not be surprised if it was discovered that the PSNI was working with drug dealers in exchange for information on individuals higher up the drug trafficking chain.
The comments followed eight unexplained recent deaths in Northern Ireland, which are suspected to have been caused by contaminated green pills circulating among drug users.
The PSNI is still investigating the deaths.
ACC Drew Harris said: "The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded."
Almost 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI last year over drug offences.
There were over 4,400 drug seizures valued at £10.2m.
First Minister Peter Robinson said of the deaths: "I am deeply disturbed that young lives have been cut short through the peddling of this dangerous substance. Those responsible for circulating this drug have wrecked families and destroyed lives. They need to be brought before our courts and held to account.
"In East Belfast it is well known who is involved in the drugs trade. The entire community should work with the police to ensure these drugs are taken off our streets and those plying that trade are put out of business. I trust the police will work tirelessly to clamp down on this trade.
"Drug abuse throughout Northern Ireland is a massive concern for me and indeed, for all parents and grandparents. We want to see our young people grow up and enjoy their youth free from horrors of drugs."
(IT/JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.