By Lisa Ramsden
CHILDREN in Killough are finding bags of drugs on the street, it has been revealed.
Last week, the village’s community association shared an image of a ‘deal bag’ containing a white powdery substance, and confirmed that the discovery was the second to be made by children in a week, and the third discovery in six weeks.
The group said had the child ingested any of the substance it could have had fatal consequences.
The latest incident has also been condemned by a local councillor, Oonagh Hanlon.
The police have said they are “aware of local concerns” about the supply of illegal substances in the village.
Killough Community Association took to its social media page last Wednesday (1 July), sharing an image of the find and describing the recent events as “just not acceptable”.
In its social media post the local community group said it wanted to make “all parents aware that for the second time in a week, bags of drugs have been found in the vicinity of Castle Court”.
The association added: “Only six weeks ago another full bag was found in the area of Seaview.
“This is just not acceptable, both times this week they have been found by a child.
“That child could have died if consumed.”
The association’s post added: “This is completely irresponsible and a huge disregard for all children playing in the area.
“We will be notifying the police and asking them to check CCTV in the area to try and stop this before one of us loses a child.”
On her ‘Cllr Oonagh Hanlon’ Facebook page, the local Sinn Féin representative described the recent developments as “extremely concerning”.
She said: “Reports that unknown substances have been picked up by children in the Killough area are extremely concerning.
“I am glad no one has been hurt in these instances but it is disgraceful that children are being put in danger.”
Confirming she had raised these incidents with the PSNI and the district’s policing and community safety partnership, Cllr Hanlon said that should anyone else discover similar unknown substances they should make sure no-one touches them, and that the police are called straight away.
When contacted, the PSNI said officers are aware of reports of issues in relation to suspected drugs in the area.
A statement read: “Officers are aware of local concerns, and have been liaising with members of the local community, as well as local political representatives, in relation to the issue, and have been providing reassurance and advice.
“We will also continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts.”
It continued: “Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority and police will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.
“Police are asking everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action.”
