Health Minister Edwin Poots has met with the PSNI and representatives from community action groups to discuss the supply and distribution of illegal drugs in Northern Ireland.

The Minister asked asking police for an update on what is being done to prevent illegal substances being brought into Northern Ireland.

Mr Poots was joined at the meeting with representatives from FASA (Forum for Alcohol and Substance Abuse), ASCERT (Action on Substances through Community Education and Related Training).

Speaking before the meeting, the Minister said: "We need a coordinated and protective response to prevent tragedies like the ones we have seen in recent weeks. I am keen to ensure that groups like FASA and ASCERT can use their influence in the community to work closely with the PSNI in the fight against drugs.

"FASA and ASCERT are to be commended for the vital work they have undertaken at local level on this issue and I am keen to continue engagement with community groups to tackle this problem, which brings misery to so many people and their families."

The meeting follows eight unexplained deaths in Northern Ireland last week. The deaths were initially suspected to have been caused by contaminated ecstasy tablet. The PSNI has since ruled out a single cause for the deaths.

Minister Poots added: "Substance misuse can have a very real and damaging effect on people’s physical health and wellbeing, as well as their mental health, relationships, family, friends and community.

"As Health Minister, I have seen all too frequently the devastating impact that substance misuse can have on our society – from the health and social care system, to the economy and the criminal justice sector.

"We need to remember that every drug-related death is an individual tragedy, and my thoughts are with the families of those individuals affected."

(IT/CD)