Drugs searches welcomed

The searches were carried out in King Street and Hanover Street yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Police said that following the search of a house in King Street, a small amount of cannabis resin was seized and a 27-year-old man was interviewed at the scene.

Upper Bann UUP MLA Doug Beattie said, “Just this week my colleagues and I met with very concerned residents from the Annagh area of Portadown - they raised some genuine concerns. Cllr Julie Flaherty and I subsequently met with PSNI neighbourhood officers to discuss the very issues they raised.

“The news of targeted searches in the King Street and Hanover Street areas of Portadown is welcome. Searches of this nature disrupt these people from their activity - people who neither care about the people they live amongst or the effects drugs have on both young and old.

“The continual pollution of our communities by these individuals who peddle their filth is unacceptable and it is incumbent on everyone to be vigilant. If you believe that anyone in your area is dealing or supplying drugs it is your responsibility to pass on any information.”

Upper Bann MP David Simpson also praised the proactive approach of the PSNI in “intercepting another drugs hold”.

Mr Simpson said, “Sadly this is an all too frequent occurrence in our communities. Suppliers move between areas and are making available a cocktail of drugs to our young people. The PSNI have been extremely proactive with a number of successful searches over recent months.

“These searches have certainly disrupted the sale of illegal substances and have sent out a clear message to dealers that it will not be tolerated.

“I want to commend the excellent work of the PSNI as they work and gather intelligence which allows for successful removal of this scourge on our communities. This work does not come without the assistance of the general public.

“I therefore urge anyone with any information to submit it to the authorities; it is very often these smaller pieces of information that help build the bigger picture and subsequent searches and arrests.”

The police can be contacted on non-emergency number 101, or contact Crimestoppers 0800555111.