Cookstown PSNI urge public to report issues amid claims teenager finds ‘bag of drugs’ in housing estate

Concerned parents have raised issues regarding drug dealing in the local community

Residents in Co Tyrone have raised concerns after claims a teenager found a “bag of cocaine” outside a property in a housing area last week.

The concerned parents from the Maloon area of Cookstown have raised issues regarding drug dealing within the local community. They said on Thursday, July 24, a teenage girl found “a bag of cocaine” outside a property in the area.

Due to fears of reprisal, the police were not contacted at that time about the incident, they said. In a statement, the concerned parents added: “The primary concern is that this illicit substance could have easily fallen into the hands of much younger children playing nearby, causing significant harm.”

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The group said there is “significant concern” locally that the “PSNI is not adequately addressing this issue” and have asked for further action to address “the growing problem of drug dealing in the area.” They added: “Local residents have made a number of attempts to address the issue and requested meetings with PSNI which have not been afforded.”

Police said the latest statistics show the Mid Ulster area has recorded one of the lowest number of drug related incidents over the past year, and local police have made 141 drug related arrests in the District in the same period.

The District Commander urged the issue of tackling drug dealing and misuse is a “policing priority”, and has urged local people to report any information or concerns.

District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said: “Whilst the numbers in our district are much lower than elsewhere in Northern Ireland, the issue of tackling drug dealing and misuse is a policing priority and information from our communities is key. It is essential that local people report any information or concerns that they have to us.

“Having an accurate picture of what is happening in communities allows us to allocate our resources to areas where they are needed most and allows us to work with the relevant agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal drug activity.

“Our local Neighbourhood Policing Team carries out frequent patrols of the area and is fully engaged with the local community group and local representatives around any issues of concern to residents.

“Drugs bring misery to individuals, families and communities and police in Mid Ulster are working daily to tackle illegal drug use and supply. Our message to our communities is clear and simple: if you see or know of anyone who is dealing drugs in your local area, then contact us on 101 or make a report online via our website.

“Equally, if you come across anything you believe to be drugs, this must be reported so these potentially dangerous substances can be safely recovered and disposed of.

“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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