'Save The Next One' campaign launches to prevent drug deaths
Cool FM, Downtown Radio and Downtown Country have launched their 'Save The Next One' campaign, aiming to prevent drug deaths in Northern Ireland.
Over 1,000 people have died here as a result of both illegal and prescription drugs in the last decade.
Our stations are aiming to raise awareness around the deadly pitfalls associated with these substances, in the hope that lives can be saved.
For the next few weeks, we will be bringing you stories looking at the ways in which drugs have affected our society.
On top of that, we'll be exploring the roots of the problem and what is currently being done to tackle it.
Our coverage starts with the story of Theresa Burke's son Kealan, who sadly died in 2009, a year and a half after taking a methadone overdose.
Our campaign has secured sit down interviews with those, like Theresa, who have suffered heartache as a result of the illicit drugs trade here.
We have also spoken with one of NI's Chief Coroners, Joe McCrisken, about the problem drugs on the streets of the province.
We have been inside Forensic Science NI, detailing their state-of-the-art efforts to inform the authorities on just what drugs they are dealing with.
Our Special Correspondent Damien Edgar has taken part in the first ride-along opportunity of its kind with the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, as they target paramilitaries involved in the drug supply chain.
On top of that, we'll have several more exclusive interviews looking at every facet of the drugs situation in Northern Ireland.
We also want to hear from you and you can get in touch with your story about hows drugs have impacted on your life, by emailing us at news@downtown.co.uk