PSNI will not turn blind eye to drugs

He said: “The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded.

“We understand the misery drugs can cause to communities, to families, to those who get involved in drugs and we 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.

“In the last year nearly 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI and held to account for drugs offences while there were over 4,400 drug seizures valued at £10.2 million. Compared to the previous year, 14% more people were charged in relation to drug offences.

“We also ran a specific operation, Operation Torus, aimed at tackling street-level drug dealing during which we seized suspected drugs estimated to be worth over £1 million and made more than 400 arrests.

“Drugs remain a policing priority but we also need the help of the public – we need people to come forward and tell us if they know anything about illegal drugs being sold or distributed in their local area.”

Anyone with information should contact their local police station on 0845 600 8000 or alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.