Fears of vigilantism after second list of alleged drug dealers issued

By Maria McCann

Another list of names of alleged drug dealers is being circulated in north Belfast.

It's the second leaflet of its kind to be released in the last 10 days.

The latest document appears to contain over 20 names of people accused of being major players in the drug trade.

Last week almost 50 people were told to bring themselves forward by a group called "Communities Against Drugs".

Families of those listed are said to be living in fear.

Those behind the leaflet issued in the last few days have described those on the list of supplying and filtering their poison into working class communities.

Gerry McConville is the director of the Falls Community Programme and is trying to tackle the problem in the west and north of the city.

The PSNI is currently carrying out enquiries.

Superintendent Norman Haslett said, “Police are aware that some written material has been distributed in parts of North Belfast and we are currently carrying out enquiries into this matter.

"We do not discuss allegations against individuals, however circulating material such as this is intensely unhelpful and potentially dangerous.

"While we do not discuss the security of individuals, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly.

"We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk. No inference should be drawn from this.

“I also want to reassure the public that police are actively working with communities to address criminality and issues like drug dealing across all parts of Northern Ireland.

"If anyone has concerns or information about any form of criminality, they should report it to police on the non-emergency number 101 so that we can respond appropriately. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”