FASA and Police launch drugs protocol
09 Dec 2009
The Forum for Action on Substance Abuse and Suicide Awareness (FASA) and Police launched new operational protocols (DROPZONE -Drug Removal and Operational Protocols) at an event hosted by the High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Frank McCoubrey in Belfast City Hall today (9 December).
FASA and Police believe that everyone has a role to play in the removal of harmful substances from the home and local areas, making communities a safer place for all.
Both agencies are endeavouring to enhance the safety and wellbeing of local communities by providing a confidential service to facilitate concerned citizens in the safe and secure surrendering of both legal and illegal drugs from society.
The project, which has been piloted over the past two years in the Greater Shankill area where FASA and Police worked closely to develop the officially authorised operational protocols to facilitate the surrender and disposal of both legal and illegal drugs, is being extended to cover the Belfast, North Down and Newtownards areas.
Anne Bill, Executive Director of FASA said: “FASA‘s ethos is to respond to the needs of local communities and this project is no different. Local people approached FASA with drugs that they found and needed a safe, confidential way to hand in the drugs and any additional information. FASA then worked with Police to ensure this could happen.”
Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie said: “FASA and the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Tennent Street are to be commended for the imaginative way they have worked in partnership to develop this set of protocols which address the concerns and needs of the local community.
“The protocols set in place robust procedures for the removal and disposal of drugs and ensure that any information gathered about the availability of drugs, or associated crimes can be anonymously passed to Police for further action.
“The sad reality is that today's launch is taking place in the aftermath of two tragic drug related deaths last weekend, which reinforces the need for the Police to continue to work in partnership with organisations like FASA, to remove illegal and prescription drugs from our community," Deputy Chief Constable Gillespie said.
