Warning after four 'drugs-linked deaths' in Belfast
A warning has been issued by the chairman of a local drugs panel after four deaths in Belfast over the Christmas period, with a possible link to drugs being investigated.
It has been reported the fatalities may have been linked to prescription drug abuse, a topic extensively covered by Downtown/Cool FM news in our 'Save the Next One' campaign.
Post-mortem examinations are being carried out on those who lost their lives.
Noel Rooney, who heads up the West Belfast Drugs Panel, said it was heartbreaking but not unexpected to hear the latest figures.
"I'm not surprised by the increasing number who are being affected by the increasing issue of drugs," he said.
"There is a particular problem in relation to prescription drugs along with other substances.
"It's been highlighted by the coroner and they can be so dangerous when taken with those other substances.
"I think people are generally not aware of the dangers of that and the increasing use of prescription substances."
Last year, the panel made several recommendations around what needed to be done, including tackling poverty and education.
"We presented those recommendations to the Departments of Health and Justice," said Noel.
"We agree as a panel this will be a long term strategy, which needs to be developed and also properly resourced.
"However, we're not happy that some of the resources and services that should be available are not on the ground."
PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said: “The loss of a loved one is devastating for a family whatever the time of year but especially over the holiday period and our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected by these tragic deaths.
"While the cause of death is not definitively known in any of the four deaths in Belfast, the use of illicit drugs along with prescription drugs may be a factor.
"The vast majority of drug related deaths in Northern Ireland occur when someone has taken more than one substance including alcohol.
“We are committed to restricting the availability of illicit drugs in our communities and have had significant success throughout 2018.
"If you see or know of anyone who is dealing drugs in your local area, contact your local police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and pass on any details that you may have.”
“The reality however is that as long as there is demand there will be drugs on our streets. That’s why we also work very closely with the department of health and public health agency to co-ordinate harm reduction activity.
"The Public Health Agency (PHA) frequently issues alerts about the dangers of drugs to those who work closest with those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, through the Drug and Alcohol Monitoring and Information System (DAMIS).
"This has included warnings about the dangers associated with use of Xanax."