Concerns have been raised by residents in Newtownhamilton after suspected drug-related paraphernalia was found in a local garden and reports emerged of a large disturbance in the town centre over the weekend.
A social media post shared by a local residents’ group showed what appeared to be an empty drug deal bag, which the group said had been discovered by a resident on their property.
The post expressed alarm at what it described as an increasing drugs problem in the area, claiming antisocial behaviour and violence were becoming more frequent.
“The way things are in this town at the minute is very worrying,” the post read. “Drugs are rife and there seems to be nothing being said or done about it. Fights going on down the town between gangs as well and again no consequences. Things need to change before someone is killed. Authorities need to do their jobs so decent people can live in peace.”
Separately, questions were raised by members of the public about an alleged large-scale disturbance in Newtownhamilton on Sunday night.
One resident claimed that “around 50 people” were involved in a fight in The Square, alleging the incident led to the town being blocked for a time. The same individual questioned why no public police appeal or statement had been issued in relation to the incident.
In response, a PSNI spokesperson told Armagh I that police did attend an incident in the area.
“Police received a report of an ongoing fight in the Square, Newtownhamilton on Sunday evening, January 11,” the spokesperson said.
“Officers attended the scene and observed a large group of people, however no complaints were made to police.”
No arrests were made and no injuries were reported.
Police have previously urged anyone with concerns about criminal activity, including drug-related issues or disorder, to report incidents to them directly via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
