by Orla Mullan
A dissident republican group say they are currently monitoring homes in the Dungiven area where drugs are being sold.
A spokesperson for the group, which is understood to be operating in the area, last night said that a number of homes in Dungiven, Feeny, Foreglen and the outlying areas are ‘running like drugs shops’.
The spokesperson also claimed that young people are able to get their hands on drugs ‘very easily’ with one property ‘putting them out like a conveyer belt’.
The group also issued a threat to people who are selling drugs in the area.
“We ask anyone who is selling drugs to come forward to a local councillor or community worker and clear their name. If they don’t, one particular group is going to take action,” said the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey said he intends to hold a public meeting to discuss the ongoing problem with drugs in the area.
Councillor McGlinchey said he has received numerous complaints in relation to the use and sale of drugs in the local area.
“I have raised my concerns with the PSNI and now I intend to hold a public meeting in the area in the coming weeks to address these concerns.”
Councillor McGlinchey said he has received ‘at least a dozen complaints from parents and young people’ in relation to drugs being taken and sold in the area.
He also revealed that two children recently found drugs while outside playing in Dungiven.
“Drugs are widely available in Dungiven and the surrounding areas and I have received numerous complaints about it.
“It’s concerning when you hear that two innocent, young children found drugs while out playing.
“We had a severe problem with meth in this area several years ago but now we are talking about cocaine. Something needs to be done before there is a fatality.”
Councillor McGlinchey has encouraged locals and community groups to come out and show their support for the meeting, which he hopes to hold in the coming weeks.
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