Video prompts call for action on city drug abuse

There have been renewed calls for action to address drugs issues in Belfast city centre.

It comes after a video was widely shared on social media of a man appearing to take hard drugs in "broad daylight" on Thursday on Donegall Place.

Business owner Chris Suitor was sent the footage and told BBC Radio Ulster's The Nolan Show that he receives similar videos on a "daily basis".

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Mark Conway said he is aware of concerns around drug use and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Mr Suitor said he was "shocked" by the video, which then later appears to show a man snorting a white substance from a small tray.

"I understand these guys might have issues but for this to be taking place in broad daylight with families around, with people coming into the city to do late-night shopping - it’s horrendous," he said.

"The conversation has started - we now need action. We need something from the police."

PSNI committed to 'addressing issue'

Insp Conway said police take "illegal drug use and supply" very seriously.

He warned that anyone suspected of involvement in the use or supply of illegal drugs can expect to be arrested and brought to court.

"We carry out regular patrols in the city centre area and will continue to do so as part of our commitment to addressing this issue," he said.

"Our officers engage with partner agencies and local representatives on an ongoing basis as we seek collaborative and proactive solutions to issues around the abuse of drugs."

There has been a 40% increase in the number of drug-related deaths over the past 10 years, according to Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) figures for 2022.

A total of 585 died from a drugs overdose in the three years up to 2022, when the latest figures were released.

Damian McNairney from The People's Kitchen Belfast

'Reality of people living on street'

Damian McNairney, from The People's Kitchen Belfast, works with people who use drugs.

“The video is quite shocking but it’s the reality of people living on the streets," he said.

"We can become judgemental and call people out for doing this on the street or we can take a more compassionate approach and ask for more support for people with addictions.

"They’re real people with families and friends and they need help.

"People should be helping people rather than calling them out on social media.”

• If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.