ANTI-DRUGS PROTESTS TO BE STEPPED UP

(Dealers warned of more pickets)

SEVERAL anti-drugs protests are expected on the streets of Londonderry in
the coming weeks.

In one picket in the Rosemount area of the city, a man brandished a crossbow
at around 60 people who gathered in the district.

The weapon wasn't fired, but abuse and insults were exchanged by rival
groups before the protest ended after around 45 minutes.

Two RUC Land Rovers arrived in the area of the protest as the crowd was
dispersing.

In a message to alleged drug dealers, the Rosemount Concerned Residents
Group said: "These protests are staged to highlight this ongoing problem of
drugs which you have catapulted on to the streets of our area and many
others in the town." Sources said further pickets are planned in coming
weeks, aimed at bringing an end to the alleged sale of drugs in areas of the
city.

Last night's action was supported by residents groups in the Shantallow,
Galliagh, Creggan, Bogside, Brandywell, Waterside and Currynearin areas.