MAJOR INCREASE IN ECSTASY HAULS

THE amount of Ecstasy seized during the year increased almost
three-fold.

Officers uncovered more than 448,000 tablets - compared to 163,000 in
the previous 12 months.

The figure was boosted by the largest ever find, a 249,000-tablet haul
made in Hillsborough.

The number of LSD doses captured almost trebled and there were twice
as many opiates, such as heroin, taken off the streets.

The RUC also uncovered 516kgs of cannabis, up from
432kgs.

The report shows drops in seizures of amphetamines, crack and
cocaine.

Overall, the number of drugs related arrests - 1480 - was 17% more
than the previous year.

Commenting on the scale of the drugs problem, Sir Ronnie said: "In the
past year my officers have made many major drugs seizures, but we are
far from complacent about the intentions of the evil and unscrupulous
individuals and groups dealing in this despicable trade."

"Let no one be in any doubt that the entire community faces a real
danger from the menace of drugs," he added.