‘Operation Torus’ nets over £1m drugs

During the operation, which ran from Monday 20 August until Friday 12 October, 2,427 searches and 411 arrests have been made across Northern Ireland. In G District which covers Derry, Strabane, Limavady and Magherafelt there were 246 searches, 135 arrests and £445,400 worth of drugs seized. The seizures and searches have involved officers from neighbourhood, crime and the specialist dog handling units.

Operation Torus was supported by a media campaign incorporating billboards, Facebook and washroom advertising, which was designed to encourage people to report drug dealing to police, who will then use this information to take appropriate action against drug dealers.

G District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Garry Eaton said, “Although Operation Torus has come to an end, drugs remain a policing priority and our drugs operations will continue. We are determined 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 know that street-level drug dealing is happening in our District and we need the help and support of local communities to remove this activity from our streets. If you know that illegal drugs are being sold or distributed in your area, please pick up the phone and contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Information is vital and we need assistance from the public. The information we receive can lead to seizures, arrest and convictions which means less drugs on our streets.”

The suspected drugs found during the searches have included cannabis, herbal cannabis, cocaine, mephedrone and prescription drugs.