‘Let police bring drug dealers to justice’

Political and community representatives in Ballyclare have condemned those behind sinister graffiti warning drug dealers that they will be shot.
Graffiti on the wall of a property at the bottom of Rashee Road, Ballyclare. INNT 08-003-PSBGraffiti on the wall of a property at the bottom of Rashee Road, Ballyclare. INNT 08-003-PSB
Graffiti on the wall of a property at the bottom of Rashee Road, Ballyclare. INNT 08-003-PSB

The painted warnings that “all meth dealer’s will be dealt with” and “meth dealer’s will be shoot” (sic) appeared on walls in the town centre at the end of last week.

The threat is aimed at those suspected of selling illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and crystal meth.

“I don’t know who’s behind it (the graffiti), but it’s not the right way to deal with these things. If people have information about drugs or dealers they should pass it on to the appropriate authorities so that they can be brought to justice. Gable wall politics is not the way to deal with these sorts of issues,” said South Antrim DUP MLA Paul Girvan.

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kinahan also appealed for people not to take the law into their own hands and to let the police deal with anyone suspected of selling illegal drugs.

“The community can help police by providing them with any information they have,” he said.

Local Progressive Unionist Party representative, Scott McDowell said his party did not condone the graffiti.

“It certainly does nothing for the image of the town and it certainly won’t deter drug dealers,” he commented. “We would urge anyone with information about drug dealers to contact the police, or ourselves if need be and we will take information to the police on their behalf.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that a problem exists in society as a whole these days with regards to illegal drug taking and the sooner dealers are removed from the community and jailed the better. There can be no room in society for people who poison the lives of our youth to make a quick shilling.”

Police have confirmed that graffiti was daubed on the buildings at Main Street and Rashee Road sometime overnight on Friday, February 20.

“If anyone has a concern about drug dealing in Ballyclare, I would urge them to come and talk to me or my officers,” said Inspector James Gourley.

“Anyone with information should contact the non-emergency number 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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