Police say they are working to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs in a specific council area of Northern Ireland following a recent increase in deaths related to drug misuse.
The PSNI say the recent increase has been in the Mid and East Antrim area and officers are stepping up their approach to combat the issue of 'illegitimate drugs'
Mid and East Antrim Chief Inspector Arnie O'Neill said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland work hard every day to ensure people are kept safe.
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"One of the top priorities within our local policing plan for Mid and East Antrim is to protect vulnerable individuals who are at most risk of harm caused by illegitimate drugs, their supply and increased demand.
"Back in July 2021, Operation DEALBREAKER was launched, which is the Police Service's operational approach that focuses on supply, misuse and the harrowing impact drug use has on the lives and relationships of people right across the country, and this remains huge for us as a District.
"We conduct operational activity in direct response to the threat and harm caused, following information reported and received from members of the local Mid and East Antrim community. This is evidenced on an almost daily basis through the proactive action that is taken, by bringing offenders to justice. However, we are very aware that this issue remains a concern and requires a multi-agency partnership approach."
He continued:"We work closely with a huge range of partners across all sectors, to gauge early trends, track for any sudden changes, and seek long-term sustainable solutions to prevent some of the demand and subsequent harm caused by illegal drugs.
"Much of this work is undertaken through the invaluable and multi-agency efforts of the Organised Crime Task force.
"The supply and demand of drugs is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break as a community, as it feeds wider organised criminality, impacts young people and those most vulnerable, causing lasting harm and suffering for families and local communities. None of this should be tolerated within the areas where we live, work and socialise, and we all have a responsibility in reporting any illegal activity we may be aware of.
"As a Police Service we will continue to prevent the importation and supply of illicit and counterfeit drugs by proactively investigating those Organised Crime Groups who supply them. The risks of taking illegal drugs are well documented but we also urge people to think of the potential consequences of misusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs too.
"Do not consume what you have not been prescribed by a healthcare professional, the affects can be just as severe, if not fatal for some.
"If you need help, support or wish to talk to someone regarding drug use, please visit: www.drugsandalcoholni.info."
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