Children in Lurgan are being targeted by drug pushers via social media platform Snapchat.
Sinn Fein Councillor Keith Haughian said children as young as 12 are being asked if they want to buy drugs with some of the messages including special offers.
The Lurgan representative was contacted by a number of concerned parents about the issue.
“I have informed the PSNI of this and I am asking all parents to check the phones/iPads etc of their children if they have concerns.
“Please contact the police if you find evidence of this and your GP is the first point of contact if you need help with addiction / mental health problems.”
He added: “Within our community there are numerous groups and organisations trying to combat this and offer hope, support and alternatives to young people and families. Please reach out if you need help.”
A spokesperson for the North Lurgan Community Association described it as ” an alarming development”.
“Drugs, whether it be illegal substances or prescription medication, is the number one concern of residents in the north Lurgan area.
“The community association in partnership with Copius Consultancy will be launching our health and well-being programme in the next few weeks and as part of that programme there will be events which we hope will support our community in tackling the ever growing problem of drugs and substance misuse in our area.
“In the meantime if anyone is concerned about a family member or struggling themselves please reach out for help.”
They included some useful telephone numbers:
GP out of hours: 02838399201
Addictions NI: 02890664434
PIPS: 02838310151
Lifeline: 08088088000
Crimestoppers: 0800555111
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