Steps taken to combat drug crime

The PSNI and Translink have taken steps to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviour at Yorkgate train station.

The police said in March they had made “three significant arrests” for possession of Class A, B and C drugs after reports of dealers peddling drugs including heroin in the vicinity.

placeholder image — Translink has said it has made changes at Belfast's Yorkgate train station after a rise in anti-social behaviour. Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Chief Inspector Stephen Burns said: “Police have increased patrols at key times to prevent and detect antisocial and criminal behaviour”.

Translink removed vegetation to make the area safer for customers after encountering people sleeping rough and using drugs and alcohol at the station.

Meanwhile, in response to drug use in Belfast, ‘sharps boxes’ will be installed in council-owned public toilets to allow users to safely dispose of needles.