Latest news with #DavyBeck
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Operation Pangea: Illegal tablets worth £1.1m seized in NI
Counterfeit and illicit medicines, with a street value of about £1.1m, have been seized during a major operation targeting criminal drugs, which were destined for Northern Ireland, were recovered over a five month period from December 2024 to May than 846,000 tablets were seized including diazepam which is used to treat anxiety, pregabalin which is used to medicate epilepsy and anxiety, steroids, botox and weight loss major crackdown is part of Operation Pangea, an international initiative led by Interpol. Keeping money away from gangs Justice Minister Naomi Long said the operation was removing cash from the pockets of organised crime gangs."This is an initiative led globally by Interpol, which aims to combat the illegal online trade in counterfeit and unlicensed medicines and health products," she added."Operation Pangea doesn't just disrupt criminal activity, it also gives us a platform to raise awareness about the dangers of purchasing medicines online which can often be unregulated, counterfeit and potentially deadly."We need to recognise this is just one part of a much larger ongoing effort." Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)'s Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said the destruction and devastation caused by illicit pharmaceuticals "must not be underestimated"."I want to send a very clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit prescription drugs that we will do everything in our power to disrupt their activities as part of our sustained drive against drugs and criminality." 'Unregulated and counterfeit drugs' The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt warned the drugs were "unregulated, substandard and counterfeit.""What concerns me is the damage that could do to individuals who were taking those, either in good faith or because they are being forced into it," he added."These organised crime groups are only interested in themselves and the damage they are doing to individuals, and the pressure that is putting on the health and social care system, is something that we have to deal with."
BreakingNews.ie
9 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Police vow to pursue rioters as man is jailed over Belfast disorder
Police have said they will continue to pursue those involved in disorder in Belfast last summer, after a man was jailed for rioting. Matthew Brogan, 29, from Drumbeg South in Craigavon, was sentenced to a total of 40 months, 20 of which will be spent on licence after his release, at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday. Advertisement Police said the offences occurred during sustained disorder in Belfast on August 3rd, 2024, after an anti-immigration rally. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said an illegal parade had followed the rally. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police will continue to pursue those involved in rioting (Mark Marlow/PA) He added: 'A short time later, prolonged public disorder broke out which saw businesses and vehicles burnt and police officers attacked. 'In the following days, unrest and attacks on the homes and businesses of those from ethnic minority backgrounds continued. Advertisement 'Since then, we have had a dedicated public order inquiry team in place, working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in this shameful violence were brought before our courts to face the consequences of their actions.' Mr Beck added: 'From around 8pm that Saturday, police evidence-gathering teams observed a man in a light-blue hooded top in the Sandy Row area. 'He was filmed engaging with masked individuals and throwing both masonry and bottles at police. 'At around 9.40pm the same man, now wearing a yellow T-shirt, was seen in our footage opening a gate for a group of people who had broken into a car near to a community centre. Advertisement 'The car was moved and set alight in Wellwood Street. 'Subsequently, we released a number of still images from our recorded footage to the public, appealing for their help in identifying those suspected to be involved in the disorder. 'Community information led to Matthew Brogan being identified as the man in the distinctive yellow T-shirt.' The senior officer said 14 people have now been sentenced in relation to last year's violence, but Brogan is the first sentenced for the offence of riot. Advertisement He added: 'Twenty-three cases are still going through our courts, and our wider investigation continues. 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland will ensure that anyone who chooses to take part in this type of criminality is brought to justice, just as Brogan has been today. 'We continue to appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.'
The Independent
14-03-2025
- The Independent
Police investigate potential Islamist terror link to stabbing in Belfast
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a potential Islamist terrorist link to a stabbing in Belfast earlier this month. Religious ideology is one of a number of potential motives being investigated, the PA news agency understands. If it is confirmed, it would be Northern Ireland's first Islamist terrorist incident. Detectives are also probing whether a mental health episode or hate were motivating factors. An 18-year-old man was arrested on Friday in relation to the stabbing near the Ormeau Road at around 7.35pm on March 1. It is understood the suspect travelled from north Africa, through the UK and Dublin, before arriving in Belfast in September 2023. Police believe the offender was acting alone and not as part of a cell. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: 'The suspect had been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, before being detained for the purpose of assessment by mental health professionals. 'He has, of today, been arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act upon his release from the facility. 'The victim, a 51-year-old man, received treatment in hospital and has since been discharged. 'He continues to receive support from specialist officers. 'While I would stress that the motive for the attack has not yet been established, detectives are exploring a number of potential motivating factors, including the possibility that this was a hate crime, a mental health episode or driven by religious ideology. 'At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack. 'I urge anyone who was in the area at the time or may have information to contact us on 101. 'A report can also be made using the online reporting form via 'Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
Telegraph
14-03-2025
- Telegraph
Police investigate potential Islamist terror link to Belfast stabbing
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a potential Islamist terrorist link to a stabbing in Belfast earlier this month, the PA news agency understands. An 18-year-old man was arrested after the stabbing, which happened near the Ormeau Road, in south Belfast, at around 7.35pm on March 1. A 51-year-old man treated in hospital for injuries. Religious ideology is one of a number of potential motives being investigated, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Friday. Detectives are also investigating whether a mental health episode or hate were factors. Asst Chief Constable Davy Beck said: 'The suspect was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, before being detained for the purpose of assessment by mental health professionals. He remains in their care at this time. 'The victim, a 51-year-old man, received treatment in hospital and has since been discharged. He continues to receive support from specialist officers. 'While I would stress that the motive for the attack has not yet been established, detectives are exploring a number of potential motivating factors, including the possibility that this was a hate crime, a mental health episode or driven by religious ideology. At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Islamic terrorist motive for stabbing being investigated
Police are investigating what is understood to be a possible Islamic terrorist motivation for a stabbing in south Belfast earlier this month. A 51-year-old man was injured in the attack close to the Ormeau Road area on 1 March. He has since been discharged from hospital. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said a motive had not been established but police were exploring a number of factors, "including the possibility that this was a hate crime, a mental health episode or driven by religious ideology". An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was arrested following the attack but is now being detained in a mental health facility. Police said the victim continues to receive support from specialist officers. No other individuals are being sought in connection with the attack. Police have asked anyone with information to get in touch.
