Operation Denbreaker deployed

Senior PSNI officer, Inspector Jon Burrows, has vowed that police action against drug carriers and pushers would continue, and perpetrators could expect more high-profile attention from the police.

"The aim of the Operation is to send a powerful message out to those who are dealing drugs that with the community's help we will identify you. We are getting a very good rersponse, the majority of our information in relation to drug dealing is coming from the community, with people in the city ringing us," the Inspector said.

As a direct result of the operation, four people were arrested for possessing suspected cocaine and cannabis and one was arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine. Files will be sent to the Prosecution Service in relation to 10 of those arrested over the entire course of the operation.

Inspector Burrows said it was difficult to gauge how big the drug problem was in the city: "It is difficult to know, because it is one of those things where, due to the fact it is not reported we will never really totally know how big a problem it is, unlike a burglary, which is reported to the police. What I would say is that drugs are a massive problem for those who are taking them and for the families of those who are taking them. Like any big city we will have a presence of Class A B and C drugs."

Commenting on the success of Denbreaker, the Inspector said: "We started the operation last year, and last year we had a record year, with 37 people charged with supplying drug in Derry alone. That was a record-breaking year and we are trying to follow that through this year with increased numbers of house searches and by using initiatives like the drugs dog. That was the first time we had used a drugs dog like that in the city centre.

"I get the feeling that our work on combating drugs dealing is having an effect and this year we are not seeing the large quantities of drugs in our communities. Last year in house searches we were finding bigger amounts than this year, so I suspect the work we did last year has had an impact, and we as a police service are seeing less drugs in our communities than last year.

"However, I do need even more help from the public. The fight against drugs is a joint operation between the police and the public, and we rely on the quality of the information that they give us and then we do our bit which is effective operations that result in drugs being siezed and dealers being brought before the court. But it is a joint operation," he said.

Appealing for the public to continue to support the anti-drugs operation by forwarding information to the police, Inspector Burrows added: "Over the next year right across the north west and the rest of Northern Ireland, police officers will be trying to seize drugs and protect our communities from drug dealers, but we need the public's help. If you have any information about drug crime speak to your local police officers or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and help us make your families and friends safer."

Police in Londonderry said they ran a two day operation in the city over the weekend as part of an ongoing commitment to tackle the drugs issue.

On Friday officers searched 13 houses and made 14 arrests (11 for drug related offences including two for the supply of drugs). Substances suspected to be cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis, were also seized.

On Saturday night a passive drugs dog was deployed in the city centre.

Four people were arrested for possessing suspected cocaine and cannabis and one person was arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine.

Files will be sent to the PPS in relation to 10 of those people arrested over the course of the operation.

Inspector Jon Burrows said: "This most recent operation builds on the success of the past year where over 1 million worth of drugs were seized in Londonderry and 37 people charged with supplying drugs.

"These operations are in direct response to concerns raised by the community. We are acting on the information provided to us by local people who want to see this scourge removed from our neighbourhoods. Local police will continue to work with the public to seize drugs, put dealers in prison, and keep our streets, families and friends safe."

Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Information about drug crime can also be passed on anonymously through the 'Crimestoppers' charity on freephone 0800 555 111.