37 people were charged with ‘dealing’ last year

Acting Area Commander Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said this was a joint operation between police and the community.

“These operations were in direct response to concerns raised by local people and agreed priorities with the District Policing Partnership. Planned operations increased by over 50 per cent, with over 100 premises searched for drugs.

“The past twelve months also marked the first time in Foyle a passive drug dog was used as part of policing the night time economy.

“We are acting on the information provided to us by local people who want to see this scourge removed from our neighbourhoods. I would like to thank the community for their active support and reassure them that we will continue our efforts to seize drugs, put dealers in prison, and keep our streets, families and friends safe.”

Martin Reilly, DPP chairperson, added: “The local police should be commended for the work they have done over the last 12 months to put dealers before the courts and seize drugs from our streets.

“The Londonderry DPP set a very challenging drugs target for the PSNI at the start of the year and we are delighted that this target has been achieved. The community have been a vital part of this success and the DPP will continue to ensure the drugs issue remains a priority.”