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17/08/2012
Drug Busts Peak In Armagh
Drugs busts in Armagh have risen by more than half in the last year, the Ulster Gazette has reported.
Drug seizures rose by 52% in 12 months, while the number of drug-related arrests went up by more than 20% in the same period.
By contrast, there was an average increase of just 10% in drug seizures across Northern Ireland.
Police recovered drugs with a street value of £2.5m in 78 seizures.
The three main drugs in Armagh are cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy, and some local politicians told the Ulster Gazette the escalating problem is causing more concern.
Deputy Lord Mayor Sylvia McRoberts said the PSNI were "working effectively" but the seizures could highlight smuggling in the area.
She said: "The fact that such a large amount of drugs have been removed from circulation is a good thing but I would also say, that just because there has been an increase in Armagh, it does not necessarily mean that these drugs were intended for the area. It could have been a case of these drugs been stopped in transition - maybe from going across the border."
Ms McRoberts also said the problem of people using prescription drugs alongside alcohol - a "deadly concoction" - must be tackled.
Inspector Nigel Graham of the Neighbourhood Policing Team thanked Armagh residents who had supplied information leading to the successful recovery of drugs.
(NE)
Drug seizures rose by 52% in 12 months, while the number of drug-related arrests went up by more than 20% in the same period.
By contrast, there was an average increase of just 10% in drug seizures across Northern Ireland.
Police recovered drugs with a street value of £2.5m in 78 seizures.
The three main drugs in Armagh are cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy, and some local politicians told the Ulster Gazette the escalating problem is causing more concern.
Deputy Lord Mayor Sylvia McRoberts said the PSNI were "working effectively" but the seizures could highlight smuggling in the area.
She said: "The fact that such a large amount of drugs have been removed from circulation is a good thing but I would also say, that just because there has been an increase in Armagh, it does not necessarily mean that these drugs were intended for the area. It could have been a case of these drugs been stopped in transition - maybe from going across the border."
Ms McRoberts also said the problem of people using prescription drugs alongside alcohol - a "deadly concoction" - must be tackled.
Inspector Nigel Graham of the Neighbourhood Policing Team thanked Armagh residents who had supplied information leading to the successful recovery of drugs.
(NE)
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