The PSNI have donated thousands of pounds of seized cash to a substance abuse charity after a man was convicted for drugs offences.
Officers in Lisburn donated £3,725 to local charity, Action on Substances through Community Engagement & Related Training (ASCERT), in order to help it continue its good work tackling "the blight" of drug and alcohol abuse.
It comes after a man was convicted in Craigavon Court of a number of offences which included drugs possession, drugs supply, and possession of criminal property. This came following a "proactive search" by officers from the Lisburn and Castlereagh District Support Team.
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During his sentencing the judgee made a forfeiture order for seized cash which the police have now donated to the charity.
Speaking of the donation, Chief Inspector Rocks said: “We are delighted to be donating the money to a fantastic cause following the successful outcome from the courts, and we sincerely hope the money will serve ASCERT well in their ongoing work to tackle the blight of drugs and alcohol misuse in our community.
“This outcome should send a clear message to drug dealers who are harming our communities, and as always, we work best when partnered with the public to work against those intent on ruining lives. If you know who is dealing drugs in your area, please tell us, so we can target them and stop them profiting from the most vulnerable in our society.”
Fundraising & Marketing Manager Fiona McCann thanked the team for their continuing support saying “ASCERT have been working across Northern Ireland since 1998 to reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol. We are extremely grateful to the Lisburn and Castlereagh DST for choosing to make this donation, allowing us to continue with our charitable mission which includes training, awareness raising through prevention work in schools, youth settings, businesses and communities, and intervention support services for young people, families and individuals who are dealing with the devastating impact drugs and alcohol have on their lives.”
If you have any information on the illicit supply or use of drugs, please contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you need help, support or wish to speak to someone regarding drug use, please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info.
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