New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing

A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers.

The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities. The campaign also encourages those taking drugs to question their choices and to realise the negative impact that drug use, even recreational, can have on their family, working and social life.

Polydrug misuse – use of multiple substances over a prolonged period (such as mixing alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medication and illicit drugs as shown in the campaign video clips) is becoming more common. However, the initiative also aims to highlight that by multiplying your substances you are also multiplying your risk of causing yourself and others harm.

The 'Drug Dealers Don't Care, Do You?' campaign has been developed by Belfast PCSP and supported by a number of partner organisations, which include the PSNI and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP) across NI and Drug and Alcohol CoordinationTeams (DACTs).

Launching the campaign, Susan Russam, Vice Chair of Belfast PCSP, said: "We are committed to highlighting the impact of drugs on our communities, our ultimate aim is to give confidence to communities to report drug dealing and make our cities and towns safer places for everyone. 

"I welcome the Drug Dealers Don't Care, Do You? campaign. It highlights that every day drugs tear lives apart, tear families apart and tear communities apart. 

"We can all play a part in stopping it by reporting drug dealers. We also want those taking drugs, their families or friends, to seek support from local services to make changes before it's too late. 

"Don't let drugs dealers destroy lives - call Crimestoppers now and help us stop them," she added.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tim Mairs from the PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Branch also said: "Today's campaign launch coincides with the start of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 2017 'Operation Torus', which targets street level drug dealers.

"Operation Torus will run for four weeks during which time officers will continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in the sale and supply of drugs, bring individuals before the courts and work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.

"We will always act on information we receive so today I continue to appeal to communities to provide us with information about illegal drugs or if you don't feel you can contact the police, please phone Crimestoppers who are an independent charity."

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.

Local awareness raising sessions and events which will provide more information on the campaign and how to get involved are also being planned.

(MH/LM)