THE damaging impact of drugs on communities is being highlighted in a renewed campaign encouraging people to report dealers to the authorities.
'Drug Dealers Don't Care, Do You?' urges people to report drug dealers anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.
It first launched in 2013 and organisers say calls to Crimestoppers about drug-related activities in communities have increased during each annual campaign.
During the 2017 campaign, calls to Crimestoppers increased by 27 per cent, while calls directly related to drug activity surged by 50 per cent.
The campaign has been developed by Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and is supported by others including the PSNI, and PCSPs and Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) across Northern Ireland.
Other PCSPs will also be rolling out the campaign, which has been part-funded by the justice department.
Launching the 2018 campaign yesterday, Belfast PCSP chairman councillor Carole Howard described the statistics as "very encouraging".
"Local knowledge is crucial in our fight to tackle the scourge of drugs in communities," she said.
"We can all play a part in stopping it by reporting drug dealers. We also want those taking drugs, their families or friends, to seek support from local services to make changes before it's too late.
"Don't let drugs dealers destroy lives – call Crimestoppers now and help us stop them."
Visit facebook.com/belfastpcsp or belfastcity.gov.uk/drugdealersdontcare for more information.
