PSNI Chief Inspector Robert Murdie

POLICE are jubilant over the latest figures which show a dramatic rise in arrests and drug seizures in south Belfast.

The PSNI say that significant effort has been and will continue to be invested by police into tackling drug dealing and drug taking.

Said south Belfast commander Chief Inspector Robert Murdie: “We’ve been disrupting activity, seizing drugs and bringing individuals involved before the courts.

“In terms of enforcement from 01 April 2014 – 31 August 2014, 168 people have been arrested, 82 people have been charged and there have been 224 drug seizures.

“If you compare this to the previous year’s figures for the same period of time, we’ve had a 54.13% increase on arrests, a 64% increase on charges and a 14.29% increase on seizures.”

“Looking at the type of drugs that we are seizing, from 01 April 2014 – 31 August 2014, we’ve seized 339 cannabis plants, compared to 227 during the same period of the previous year, an additional 112 plants.

“There has also been a significant increase in the volume of cocaine powder seized this financial year to date; 4421.11 (gms) compared to 2136.70 (gms) over the same time frame last year.

“Similarly there is an increase in the quantity of opiate seized 2410.51 (mls) compared to 55 (mls).

“Police are working on information provided by communities and deploying resources in line with this, so that we can identify people involved, make arrests and seek to keep communities safe.

“We would encourage anyone that may have concerns or information about drug dealing to contact police on 101. Information can also be provided anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”