Operation Torus re-launches for September
Operation Torus, the PSNI initiative aimed at tackling street-level drug dealing, has launched for its second month this year.
It ran from February to March of this year as well.
That resulted in
- £793,000 worth of drugs being seized by officers.
- 389 searches being conducted
- 92 arrests being made.
- 74 people being charged or reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
“This is ongoing proof that our commitment to acting upon information provided by communities pays off," said DCI David Henderson.
"We could not carry out the job we do without the help of communities. We continue to encourage anyone with information regarding drugs to come forward and help us reduce the threat of dangerous and illegal drugs on the streets.
“Our message is clear and simple: if you see or know of anyone who is dealing drugs in your local area, then contact your local police on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and pass on any details that you may have.
“This latest phase is further proof that drugs remain a policing priority because of the devastating impact they have on individuals and communities."
"Every day our officers are working to disrupt the supply and sale of drugs on our streets.
“For us to be as successful as possible, we need the help and support of local communities to remove this illegal activity from our streets. Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson added: “Our first Operation Torus campaign in 2017, which ran from February 27 to March 26, resulted in police seizing more than £793,000 worth of drugs and making 92 arrests, as well as charging or reporting 74 people to the Public Prosecution Service.
"That is why we run Operation Torus, because it empowers local people to come forward with information about drugs in their area.
“Street-level drug dealing is happening across all Districts throughout Northern Ireland, causing hurt and harm to communities.
"Police will continue to target drug dealers and those in the supply chain in Northern Ireland to try and remove this scourge on society. However, this is not a problem that police can solve alone.
"We can tackle the symptom and will continue to work with our partners in other sectors including health and education to address the wider causes."