Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth has raised concerns with the lack of communication from the Public Health Agency. Following a warning by Health Authorities in the Republic of Ireland about high dosage MDMA ahead of this weekend's Electric Picnic festival in the South.
Cllr Smyth said, "We know the drugs trade is all-island and doesn't end at the border. Therefore it is vital that the PHA (Public Health Agency) communicate with the public in Northern Ireland, on any potential concerns, given the announcement in the Republic. It is also time that a harm reduction approach is implemented in Northern Ireland and that includes back of house drug testing facilities at large festivals and events. So the public can be given the correct information, instead of being left with online speculation."
Cllr Smyth concluded "The Greens have been advocating for progressive change in Northern Ireland's approach to drug deaths, every one of which is a preventable tragedy. Drug testing at festival and large scale events is a no brainer. So should be an overdose prevention center in Belfast. If we are serious about saving lives, then we should follow Portugal's success and decriminalise drugs."
ENDS