Northern Ireland

Call for crackdown on drugs supply chains

The PSNI has faced calls to crackdown on the distribution of drugs
The PSNI has faced calls to crackdown on the distribution of drugs The PSNI has faced calls to crackdown on the distribution of drugs

THE PSNI has been urged to crack down on drugs gangs after fresh details emerged of a sophisticated delivery network in place across the north.

It is understood the supply network, often referred to as 'the trolley', delivers drugs directly to gangs who in turn peddle their product to users.

Some gangs regularly pool their resources and share the same supply routes.

Sources estimate up to 15 major crime groups use a network of trusted distributors.

The delivery network is often operated on a standalone basis and independent of the drug gangs.

While the use of ' the trolley' is generally viewed as a reliable means of distribution, their use is not without risk for the drug gangs.

Because of their central role in the supply chain, 'trolley' operators can become obvious targets for law enforcement, which in turn can attract attention to the crime gangs they work for.

Typically when 'trolley' operators are charged they are depicted in the courts as being low-level players used by main figures, when in fact many are at the top of the distribution chain raking in thousands of pounds.

Sources say some 'trolley' operators can charge up to £1,000 a kilo for the shipment of drugs locally.

The Irish News understands that in the past secret mobile phone messaging services such as EncroChat and Sky ECC have been used to arrange illicit 'trolley' drop offs.

And while some organised crime gangs refuse to share 'trolley' runs, the majority are willing to join forces and have little fear of being double crossed.

"At that level there are no strokes," a source said.

'Trolley' men are also often entrusted with transporting large amounts of cash and other luxury items between drug gangs.

These include expensive watches and high-end cars, both of which can be used to pay for drug deals, making it more difficult for law enforcement to detect.

Once received expensive items can be legitimately sold on to unwitting members of the public generating a cash windfall for the drugs gangs.

SDLP Policing Board spokeswoman Sinead McLaughlin said "that they feel able to operate so openly raises serious questions and we must do everything within our power to stop their activities and bring those involved to justice".

She said she intended to raise the matter with the Policing Board.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI referenced Operation Dealbreaker, which was launched almost a year ago by police in a bid to break the supply of drugs.

“We are continuing to do all we can to prevent and detect as much drug-related activity as possible, be that importation, supply, possession, or financial gain resulting from drug related criminality, and proactively work to break criminal drug dealing networks to prevent harm to local communities."