"Police actions in arresting 40 drug buyers are hugely appreciated by the community", says Len Brown, Chairman of Otara Youth Action Group. This is especially welcome action that comes on the back of calls for zero tolerance on tinnie houses and P labs from the "stand up" conference held recently in Otara.

“Stand Up” Conference Convenor Len Brown said "The conference for community leaders had as its main focus, positive encouragement to everyone in the community to make a stand against drugs and the tinnie houses. One of the ways identified for people to make a stand was for them to pass on information to the Police on who is buying and selling drugs in our streets and homes".

“For the community, the big issue was one of trust – trust in the Police that once information was passed on, they would act on it,” said Mr Brown. “These arrests are a clear message to those doing the dealing that their operations are going to be closed down. It is also a clear message to our people that their trust in the Police will be honoured by rapid and effective action."

The Police have confirmed that many of those arrested come from all around the region to buy. "We know the drug dealing is region-wide and that the best way to close these operations down is the cut off demand. These first 40 are a great start", says Len Brown.

"It is now essential to follow through and close down the tinnie houses where these people were buying. We are determined to make this community a drugs free zone, and we are going to continue to make a stand together with the Police, Project 274, Turn Your Life Around (TYLA) and other agencies to achieve our goal", said Len Brown.

Len Brown Chairman of Otara Youth Action Group

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