CHILDREN `MAY BE TARGET OF ECSTASY DEALERS'

THE RUC fears children as young as ten were targeted by drug dealers
who sold Ecstasy tablets bearing the face of a Teletubby at Belfast's
Waterworks.

Police yesterday revealed details of an eight week long operation
during which drugs and cash were seized and 24 people, including two
14-year-old children, were arrested.

The crackdown on the sale of illegal drugs at the Waterworks came to a
head on Friday night with two arrests inside the park.

Dealers were operating from the tennis courts area opposite to the
Limestone Road entrance.

Detectives discovered that Ecstasy and cannabis was being sold to
people ranging in age from 14 to 50 years old.

But officers fear even younger children were sold drugs.

Detective Inspector Todd Clements from Antrim Road CID said 40 RUC
officers were involved in the operation over an eight week period.

During that time police witnessed around 90 deals taking
place.

On Friday night pounds 250 in cash was seized with up to pounds 1,000
of drugs recovered during the eight weeks.

The haul included a total of 26 Ecstasy tablets and 52 grams of cannabis.

The Ecstasy tablets were being sold for between pounds 5 and pounds 10
each.

Det Insp Clements said today: "These Teletubby tablets are a worrying
development. These are being used to attract children.

"We are fearful children as young as ten could be taking these drugs.
Certainly two 14-year-olds were arrested for possessing drugs.

"We hope that our operation will put the activities of drug dealers in
this area to an end."

Residents in the area close to the Waterworks area had been
complaining about the activities of drug dealers in recent weeks.

The police has appealed for anyone who as any information about drug
dealing at the Waterworks or who notices any suspicious activity to
contact them at Antrim Road RUC station.