The seizure of cocaine by members of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) in the Galliagh area of Derry has been welcomed by Independent Councillor for the area, Warren Robinson.
The IRSP said it had earlier today seized the drugs from a drugs gang operating in the city and passed them to to a “respectable” community group for “disposal.”
Cllr Robinson said: “I welcome this move especially given the very recent rise in drug related instances in the area.
“During the past couple of weeks I have been approached by members of the community concerned at the wide availability of dangerous drugs within the area.
“One such instance was highlighted earlier this week when a number of ‘Blues’ were recovered in Galliagh.
“Drugs such as cocaine, ‘Monkey Madness and ‘Blues’ are easily got and there is a lot of work to be done to make our communities safer for our young people.
“Today's recovery and disposal of cocaine is one small step along that road.
“Whilst not all suicides are attributable to drug misuse there is ample evidence to suggest that a substantial number of young people who have either attempted or committed suicide in the Derry area suffered as a result of drug misuse and the effects that these substances have on their mental health.
Cllr Robinson concluded: “Drug dealers must realise the consequences of their actions and I would appeal to anyone involved in the drugs trade, no matter how minor they view it, to take themselves out of it. Do not have the death of one of your friends on your conscience for the rest of your life.”