Statement

WEIR WELCOMES POLICE REASSURANCE ON DRUGS FIGHT 

Posted on: October 5, 2009

“When it was announced earlier this week that the PSNI were ending the Drugs Squad, there was natural anxiety and concern amongst many people. This was particularly true in North Down where the evil scourge of drugs has ruined many families and tragically cost the lives of some of our young people. I was therefore keen to press the Chief Constable on the subject at the NI Policing Board. It is clear that from the response of the Police, that rather than relegating the fight against drugs, that this reorganization will place that fight at the heart of the Service. 

The Police will be integrating the drugs squad into the Organised Crime Taskforce. This will lead to greater resources and more police officers being dedicated to the fight against drugs. Illegal drugs form a key part of criminal empires, and it is wrong to see the issue in isolation, and tackle in a silo. This more integrated approach will enable the focus to intensify on these criminal gangs, and ensure the pulling of information and experience in the fight against drugs. Hopefully this will lead to even greater progress in the battle against drugs which are wrecking the lives of so many people.”