Today the Police Service of Northern Ireland is launching Operation DEALBREAKER.
Detective Superintendent Zoë McKee, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Unit said: “Operation DEALBREAKER will cover every aspect of the Police Services’ drug related operational activity and reflects our organisational commitment to tackling the harm caused by illegal drugs and illicit prescription medication, their supply, use, and misuse in Northern Ireland. It is only by understanding the environment we operate in and by working with partners and communities, that we can effectively tackle the hugely complex and challenging arena of illegal drugs supply and misuse in local areas.
“The harm and personal loss to individuals and communities affected by illegal drugs are untold in terms of the impact on health, finances, addiction services and exploitation of the vulnerable. The organised criminal activity associated with drugs as a commodity to facilitate and enable crime is of significant concern, notwithstanding the huge financial gain for criminals and their control over local communities.
“Drug misuse is a DEALBREAKER - The quality of life impact as a result of misuse is cross cutting and affects lives, relationships, families and impacts on services at every level in Northern Ireland. We will work with partners and communities to support, prevent and intervene early to reduce the harm caused by drug use and supply.
“Drug supply is a DEALBREAKER – through disruption, frustration, detection and criminal justice outcomes, the Police Service will continue to do all we can to detect and prevent those who possess, deal and financially benefit from drug dealing and proactively work to break their criminal drug dealing networks.
“The consequences of drug supply and misuse cannot be overstated. Illegal drug use can be a life taker, the ultimate DEALBREAKER - We want to highlight the risks associated with drugs misuse - do not take illegal drugs; never take prescription medication that has not been prescribed for you; never order drugs of any kind online.
“What is your DEALBREAKER - what will you tolerate in your community, in your family, in your life? As a Police Service, Operation DEALBREAKER will take a co-ordinated, consistent and multiagency approach but we want to do it with you, the community. Anyone with information that would help us to better protect and prevent the impact of illicit supply, possession or misuse, we want to hear from you.”
Detective Superintendent McKee concluded: “I would appeal to anyone with information about drug misuse or drug dealing to call police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”