Seven placed under threat from ‘unknown grouping’

A list containing the names, addresses and car registration numbers of seven men was given to the Londonderry Sentinel on Monday morning. All of those named appear to have addresses in a specific area of the cityside.

The heading on the typed page says ‘Drug Dealers OUT’ before naming the men and listing their alleged residences, the model and registration of cars supposedly owned by those under threat.

The document then goes on to say ‘The following Drug Dealers have 48hrs to leave Counties Derry & Donegal from Tuesday, October 29’ and then goes on to specifically name four of the seven named on the list.

The page ends by saying :”No more talk shops, enough is enough, action will now be taken-Signed Famililes against Drug Dealers & Anti Social Behaviour’.

The Sentinel asked the PSNI in the city if the individuals placed at threat had been made aware of the situation.

In response a spokesperson for the police said: “We do not discuss the security of any individual. However, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.

“While we do not comment specifically on these matters no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. We have a criminal justice system in place that is rightly accountable and transparent. Those who seek to create fear within local communities by issuing such threats serve no purpose.”

Dozens of men have been attacked by vigilante groupings over alleged involvement in the drugs trade in recent years.