Drug addiction: Grieving Strabane father says ‘madness’ must end

There has been a 40% increase in the number of drug-related deaths over the last 10 years, according to Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) figures, external for 2022.

The statistics, released in January, said there were 154 drug-related-deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2022.

“So it’s a complex issue that requires long-term planning to get a grip of,” he added.

PSNI Supt Pete Brannigan said the police have “a clear focus on the risk and harm resulting from the sale, supply and use of illicit drugs”.

“In recent months, we have made a number of drug seizures, arrested and charged people with drug-related offences,” he said.

This included seizing suspected Class A and Class B drugs during searches in Strabane and charging four men with a number of drug-related offences after searches in the Strathfoyle.

“We recognise that drug use can be a reflection of underlying societal problems, and that law enforcement is only one aspect of a collaborative response and therefore we work with a huge range of partners,” Supt Brannigan added.

Mr Carlin said the government needs to do more.

“We have to reach young people around 14 or 15 years of age through education programmes in GAA clubs, in sporting clubs. If we don’t sadly there are going to be more deaths. This is not only Strabane – this is a big problem.

“We need to get a grip on this. This has really escalated over the last ten years. Where’s it going to end?”