PSNI seize pills and issue poly-drug use warning after overdoses in …
A large quantity of pills have been seized by police as a warning over poly-drug use was issued following overdoses in Belfast.
At the end of July there were reports of a ‘bad batch’ of illegal drugs within Belfast and now a large quantity of pills has been seized, which have since been submitted to Forensic Science Northern Ireland for testing.
Police said on Monday, August 7, officers were alerted to a theft that had previously occurred, at a premises on Ormeau Road, Belfast. Officers in attendance were able to confirm the identity of the suspect, and made an arrest.
The suspect was found to be in possession of a quantity of pills, suspected to be illegal drugs. Follow up searches recovered a large quantity of similar pills, which have since been submitted to FSNI for testing. A 34 year old man has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
On Wednesday, police and the Public Health Agency issued a warning of the dangers of drug misuse following the searches which lead to the seizures.
Images of the drugs seized by the PSNI (Image: PSNI)
Superintendent Amanda Ford said: “All illegal drugs are unlicensed and unregulated, meaning the component parts and strength of each pill can vary even within a batch. No drugs are safe and it is often the mix of several pills and/or substances which results in unimaginable damage and an increased risk of overdose and death of the user. As such, our focus is not limited to any one drug."
In the 2022/23 financial year, Belfast District had a 21.8% increase of recorded drug offences. There were 8% more arrests and 12.4% more seizures of suspected drugs. In the 12 months from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, there were 8,934 drug seizure incidents recorded in Northern Ireland. In the same period there were 3,340 drug-related arrests.
Superintendent Ford said: “It is important to recognise that drug and alcohol use can be symptoms of underlying societal problems and that law enforcement is only one aspect of our collaborative response. As a Police Service we will continue to play our part to prevent the importation and supply of illicit and counterfeit drugs by proactively investigating those Organised Crime Groups who supply them.
"We have also invested and contributed to multi-agency initiatives to tackle homelessness, addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, poor mental and physical health, and offending behaviour, in Belfast, aiming to support recovery, resettlement and social inclusion of vulnerable people.
"We have 17 officers trained and carrying Naloxone with a further 60 officers recently trained in partnership with the PHA and Community partners., Belfast city centre officers have now administered Naloxone to 25 people following a suspected overdose of illicit drugs. We are working closely with partners to come up with more innovative long term solutions to help build safer communities and tackle this problem, by taking a strong partnership approach with relevant key stakeholders. It is not, of course, a problem unique to Belfast or Northern Ireland and we will continue to work with partner agencies and other forces, including An Garda Síochána and forces throughout Great Britain, to target suppliers and supply lines, and to identify trends which guide our focus."
Images of the drugs seized by the PSNI (Image: PSNI)
Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the Public Health Agency, added: “Drug and alcohol use is sadly an all too common issue and all drugs, whether illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks. The risk of overdose increases when you mix any drugs. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug, and any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol can be dangerous.
"Mixing different types of drugs is unpredictable, can increase the toxicity of already potentially harmful substances and increases the risk of serious harm. Any drug or medicine has the potential to be a poison – there are only three things that differentiate it. Firstly, what is the dose? If you take too much of it you could die. Secondly, what are you taking it for? If it is not clinically prescribed for you, then it could also be lethal. Thirdly, if you are taking it with something else, for example mixing it with alcohol or other drugs, then it could also cost you your life. It’s important to remember that support services are there for you and available in your local community."
Anyone who thinks they or someone they know might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and would like to get help can visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info[2]. The website also includes details of services available for individuals affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse.”
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