Drugs warning after horse medicine stolen

The warning follows a burglary in the Milltown Road area near Donaghcloney.

The burglary occurred in outbuildings of a premises used for stables, on the night of Tuesday, August 17, or Wednesday, August 18.

Along with the theft of two quad bikes, a ride on mower and horse saddles; a quantity of Trimediazine Plain 50g sachets were taken.

These are very strong animal antibiotics, are only available from a registered vet and can cause serious illness or even death if ingested by humans.

Four men in a silver Citroen Picasso were seen in the area at the time and police would like to speak to them to rule them out of their investigation.

Members of the public are reminded that to take any kind of medication that is not prescribed for them personally is dangerous.

Anyone who finds or is offered these drugs is asked to contact police at Lurgan immediately on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Ulster Unionist Craigavon councillor Jo-Anne Dobson has called for community vigilance following the theft.

“The PSNI are rightly concerned that animal antibiotics, stolen from stables in Donacloney, pose a risk to the local community.

“Not only I am I disappointed by the actions of those who broke into the premises, but am concerned by the very real health consequences of these drugs being used inappropriately.

“Using drugs which have not been prescribed specifically for you, and indeed are not even designed for human use, amounts to playing roulette with your health.

“I commend the PSNI on their swift action in alerting the community to their concerns, and would urge those who encounter these drugs to act responsibly and with due care for their own welfare.

“The differences between animal and human drugs could prove deadly, particularly as users will have no idea of the dosage they are taking.

“It is deeply worrying that the issue of drug abuse is at the stage where even animal medication is not safe from users or dealers. I would urge members of the local community to be vigilant and responsible, and to work with the PSNI.”

Party colleague George Savage also expressed concern: "I would urge all farmers to remain vigilant in protecting their property but also would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to take their information, no matter now small, to the police in order to assist them with their investigations.

"The theft of Trimediazine is of major concern as criminals may use this in the manufacturing of drugs such as 'e-tablets'.

"I cannot overstate the danger this may represent to the public. The danger of drugs is widely known and far too many of our young people have died because of them.

"I would take this opportunity to urge the community at large to steer clear from the evil of drugs, a scourge within society. If anyone is offered drugs, please report it to the police immediately. By working together we can help root out this problem."