PSNI launch "Think Before You Buy" anti-drugs campaign
The PSNI has launched a new campaign called "Think Before You Buy" aimed at putting a dent in the drugs trade across Northern Ireland.
It came about after PSNI Inspector Jonny Francey completed a secondment with An Garda Síochána in Balncahrdstown.
The Guards had developed a video aimed at showing the damage that even buying recreational drugs can do, as the money filters into other areas of crime.
"We want people to consider when they hand over their money to a drug dealer, where that money goes and what it’s used for; that it’s not being invested for the good of the community, " said Inspector Francey.
“Instead, it’s going to merciless organised crime gangs who peddle their ill-gotten gains with no regard for society.
"For example, money from a casual transaction at the weekend could be used towards buying a gun used in a paramilitary style attack against someone who has a drug debt; or a getaway car used in a crime.
"Someone with a drugs debt may carry out a burglary or a robbery in a bid to get the money they need to pay a debt to the very same dealers the casual user is handing their money to."
Detective Chief Superintendent Tim Mairs said they needed the public's help, in order to stop the cycle.
“It is crucial that we continue to work with partners both within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in order to stop the misery that the illegal supply of drugs brings," he said.
"We all face the same problems in relation to the damage caused to communities and the ‘Think Before You Buy’ initiative will help to make people aware that casual drug use also feeds into the coffers of the organised criminal gangs that supply illegal drugs.”
Philip Jennings is a Coordinator with Safer Blanchardstown, a local community policing organisation in teh Republic that hepled the Garda develop the programme.
He said: “The drugs market is made up essentially of two distinct end user groups - regular users and what are referred to as ‘casual’, ‘occasional’ or ‘recreational’ drug users.
"Regular users are those people who use drugs every day and would be a dependable, steady source of income for the supplier that keeps the ‘business’ going.
“However, it’s at the weekends when the casual or recreational user orders their small bit of hash or cocaine that the real money is made by the drugs trade and it is this ‘real money’ that attracts the serious violence and intimidation which is affecting communities right across the country.
"This is why it is essential to draw attention to the link between recreational use of drugs, the vast amounts of money this generates, criminal activity and drug debt intimidation.