Concern has been expressed after a child picked up suspected drugs in the Galliagh area of Derry.
According to Independent Councillor Warren Robinson the bag of drugs (pictured) was picked up by a seven-year-old boy beside the underpass linking Carnhill and Galliagh housing estates.
Cllr Robinson said: “The mother was walking with her two children from Galliagh towards Carnhill and her two boys ran on ahead kicking a football.
“As she neared the underpass on the Galliagh side she noticed one of her boys bending down and picking something up and when she caught up with him she was horrified at what she came across.
“He was holding the small bag with what appears to be drugs, possibly legal highs.
“I would appeal to parents to warn their children about the dangers of picking up such packages and if they do come across such items to alert a community representative immediately or an organisation such as Galliagh Community Empowerment who will make sure such items are disposed of properly.
“I would also appeal to those using drugs such as so called legal highs to seek help.
“These types of drugs are known to have long term mental health implications for users far beyond the period in which they are used.
“They are dangerous and should be avoided completely.
“Help is available to users in order to get off these drugs and there are plenty of organisations in the area who can offer help and signposting to relevant agencies.
“Where this bag was found is beside the tunnel linking Carnhill and Galliagh and this location has been a hot spot for gatherings and anti-social activity at different periods, so I would ask parents to reiterate the dangers of such items to their children not just in this particular location but across the entire area.”
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