Bonamargy drug den fears
Thursday, 29 July 2010
TWO separate discoveries at Bonamargy Friary have led to fears that the ancient site is being turned into a drugs den.
Drugs paraphernalia, including a home-made bong and a sealed bag of tobacco and other smoking products, were recently found at the ruins on the Cushendall Road outside Ballycastle.
The sealed bag was concealed within a wall while the crude 'bong' was made from a plastic bottle.
A 'bong' is most commonly used to smoke cannabis.
News of the discoveries have been condemned by Ballycastle Sinn Féin Councillor, Cara McShane.
She said: "This latest drugs find is a very alarming development in Ballycastle. Drugs are a scourge on our society.
“They wreck peoples' lives, destroy families and ravage communities. As a local representative, I am confident that the overwhelming majority of people in this area will be disgusted at this latest find.
“Whilst I would not want to over exaggerate the level of drug use in the Moyle area, I nevertheless find it disturbing that during the past year there were 20 drug seizures with 14 people arrested, eight of whom were charged.
“I acquired this information through tabling a series of questions at a local District Policing Partnership meeting and the statistics indicate a marked increase on drug-related offences from the previous year.
“In my capacity as a DPP member and a local Councillor, I will continue to highlight this issue and ensure that it is kept high on the Policing Plan for the District.
“It is our duty as a local Council and DPP to work in partnership with all of the key stakeholders, including local schools, to highlight the issue of drug use and educate young people about the dangers posed."
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