Children find bags of drugs on the street
POLICE are warning children not to pick up items they find on the ground after a quantity of illegal drugs in a play area at Hazelbank Road last Monday.
It's understood that one boy, aged six, bit open a bag and was covered in a powdered substance.
Neighbourhood Constable Ruth Irvine said: "I am sure the majority of people will be shocked to learn that a number of young people found five small bags containing illegal drugs, while playing in the Hazelbank Road area of Coleraine around 5:30pm on Monday, August 30.
"The incident serves to highlight the irresponsible nature of those who engage in illegal drugs misuse and the dangers their unlawful activities pose to local people."
"Concerned by the development, we held a Street Briefing on Wednesday evening September 1, to seek further information regarding the drugs find, and to listen to the concerns of local residents.
"We also offered advice, and issued information leaflets highlighting the dangers associated with the misuse of all types of illegal drugs."
The source of the drugs is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
Const Irvine added: "From speaking to householders it is clear that residents from the Hazelbank Road and Churchland Road areas want nothing to do with illegal drugs.
"And, parents rightly want their children to be able to play safely without having to worry about the menace of those who misuse these illegal substances.
"I would remind the public that Street Briefings are open to everyone who lives in the area where they are held, and are just one of the ways people can raise issues with their Neighbourhood Officers.
"Residents, can also contact us by telephone on 0845 600 8000, by email: NPTColeraine@psni.pnn.police.uk or by calling into the Police Station at Lodge Road.
"We continue to work with the community to reduce the level of drugs misuse, however this incident should in itself be reason enough for the public to come forward with the information and evidence that we need to place offenders before the Courts.
Anyone who has any information regarding the sale, supply, misuse or distribution of illegal drugs is asked to contact the police at Coleraine.
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Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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