Police in the South Down area have made significant inroads into the drug trade with Operation Torus.
Detective Chief Inspector, James Mullen said: “Almost £33,500 worth of drugs have been seized in South policing area since 27 February as part of Torus operation which is part of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s response to the sale and supply of illegal and harmful drugs in our communities.
“Since the operation started so far there have been 22 arrests and four people charged.
“There is no denying that communities are safer for having these drugs taken off the streets and we are grateful to the public for their ongoing support. I have no doubt that information we have received directly from local people has resulted in some of these seizures.
“Drug addiction and abuse can affect anyone and we recognise that many vulnerable people are being exploited for the financial gain of those higher up the supply chain. We know that criminal gangs are using drugs to pressurise others to commit crimes.
“We know that people feel they can’t come forward and speak out. However, this operation demonstrates that we will act on the information you give us and that we are committed to ridding our communities of drugs and drug dealers.
“We can always do better but only with your help. If you have any information about drug dealing in your community then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or your local police on the non-emergency number 101.”
