OVER the last eight weeks, Police in C District which incorporates Down, North Down, Ards and Castlereagh have been taking part in the Province wide initiative called Operation Torus which tackled the issue of street-level drug dealing.
During the operation, which ran from Monday 20 August until Friday 12 October, 127 searches and 22 arrests have been made within the District.xa0 Police made 97 separate seizures of drugs worth approximately £30,000.xa0 The seizures and searches have involved officers from neighbourhood and crime teams.
Commenting on the operation, Superintendent Yvonne Davidson said: ” We are constantly looking at new and more effective ways of addressing crime and anti social behaviour in our Police District and targeted operations such as this provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of drugs and the associated consequences.
“Our communities regularly voice their concerns about the impact that drugs have on young people and the wider associated anti-social behaviour.xa0Officers within the District are committed to tackling the issue of drugs and I would take this opportunity to ask the community to continue to assist us by reporting any information or concerns they may have in relation to drug activity or suspected drug activity and therefore reduce the harm caused by drugs.”
Operation Torus was supported by a media campaign incorporating billboards, Facebook and washroom advertising, which was designed to encourage people to report drug dealing to police, who will then use this information to take appropriate action against drug dealers.
To speak to the police about drugs, ring 0845 600 8000 or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and pass on any details that you may have.
