Concern raised over Strabane ‘drug den’ in popular walking area

Concerns have been raised about drug dealing and use in an area commonly used by families in Co Tyrone[1]. The area off the Park Road in Strabane is used frequently by those in the local community as a walking route. Sinn Fein representative Brian "Barney" Harte, who is to stand for the the Sperrin area in the upcoming local elections, says residents are concerned the area is being used as a "drug den".

"I have been contacted over the weekend by a number of residents of the rural part of Park Road who are deeply concerned that their area is being used as a drugs den," Harte said. "There has been a massive increase of traffic at night time along the old railway line running down to the bollards at McKinney's bridge. "On investigation, residents found a large number of discarded bags and other evidence of heavy drug use.

"It would seem either people are driving down to this isolated area to take drugs or dealers are driving down there to sell to young people. "As this road is popular for families out walking there are concerns that young children could find these bags and think they are confectionary or dogs could digest them. The election candidate called on the PSNI[3] to 'step up patrols' in the area to combat the activities.

"We appeal to walkers to be careful whilst walking in the area with their children and dogs.

We call on those using the area to abuse drugs to get off the backs of local residents. "We will also be calling on the PSNI to step up patrols in the area to deter such activity." The PSNI said they were called to an incident in the area last Thursday, with officers attending the area finding no persons or vehicles present.

"Police in Strabane received a report of suspicious activity in the Park Road area on the evening of Thursday March 30," a PSNI spokesperson said. "It was reported that a number of cars had been parked near the old railway line and that there may have been drug use in the area. Officers attended but found no vehicles or persons present.

"Police take all reports of criminal activity seriously and will ensure that this area is patrolled regularly and would continue to encourage anyone with any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact them immediately on 101."

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References

1. ^ Co Tyrone (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
2. ^ A5 closed for a number of hours as PSNI investigate fatal crash (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
3. ^ PSNI (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
4. ^ here (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
5. ^ sign up to our daily newsletter (www.belfastlive.co.uk)