CALLS have been made for a “sustained policing operation" against a ruthless drugs gang operating in north Armagh.
Lurgan Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian on Wednesday spoke of the “horrific impact” drug abuse is having in the area.
His comments come after a major PSNI operation in the Garvaghy road area of Portadown on Monday, which resulted in the seizure of guns, drugs and cash.
In a follow-up operation on Tuesday a small cannabis factory was uncovered with an estimated street value of £32,000.
A 31-year-old man is facing charges in relation to the find.
The operation took place as The Irish News revealed fresh details about the north Armagh crime cartel known as 'The Firm'.
The Lurgan-based gang controls much of the drugs trade in north Armagh and beyond.
It has been linked to murders and shootings across the region in recent years.
The core membership is said to consist of between 40-50 people and includes both men and woman.
Unlike many other crime groups operating in the north, members of 'The Firm' are drawn from across the community divide.
It is understood people who are in debt to the gang have taken their own lives while relatives of those who owe money are also being intimidated.
Mr Haughian last night said the actions of the gang targeted this week have brought untold misery to the area.
“Drugs and substance abuse is having a horrific impact on many families in the town, those who peddle the illegal drugs are threatening families, including children, and as we have witnessed recently, they are capable of murder,” he said.
“The local community have had enough of the misery this gang spreads.”
Mr Haughian said there needs to be a long-term crackdown on the gang.
“Police have recently carried out a number of high-profile operations against the gang which has hopefully disrupted the gang’s ability to operate and profiteer off misery,” he said.
“There needs to be a sustained policing operation to give the community confidence that this gang is not untouchable.”
The Sinn Féin politician said there needs to be a broader response to the impact of the gang’s activities.
“There are plans to organise a multi-agency response to the situation in Lurgan, but individual departments can take action now,” he said.
He said his party is seeking extra support from schools from education chiefs to “support children impacted by drugs in the family home" and has contacted health officials to see what can be done to help those impacted by drugs.
“The north Lurgan community is a proud resilient community who have been bruised and battered in past, but they have always overcome,” he said.
“Drug dealers will not be allowed to wreck this community.”
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thornton said: “Monday’s searches, which are just one part of a much bigger operation, are a reflection of our ongoing commitment to tackle criminal activity, and those involved with the illegal supply of drugs.
“Through Operation Dealbreaker, we are committed to tackling every aspect of illegal drug supply and misuse, and the inevitable fallout.
“With continued and concentrated efforts, we will continue to seize illegal drugs, removing them from our streets and communities, and minimising subsequent harm."
