Donnelly urges urgent Executive action on drug-related harm in East Antrim

Inset: East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly

East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly has issued a stark warning to Stormont Ministers over a growing crisis of drug-related harm in the constituency, calling for urgent intervention and greater investment in addiction and mental health services.

According to recent figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), seven people have died from drug-related causes in the Mid and East Antrim local policing district between May 2024 and May 2025. The victims, aged between 23 and 47, include both men and women.

Speaking about the escalating issue, Mr Donnelly described the situation as “deeply concerning” and highlighted a surge in drug-related incidents across communities from Carrickfergus to Larne.

“From Carrickfergus to Larne, and in smaller villages across the constituency, frontline services are reporting a surge in drug-related incidents involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The statistics are deeply concerning, and the growing crisis is something that cannot be ignored,” he said.

The Alliance MLA painted a disturbing picture of the current reality, with young people experiencing drug overdoses in public spaces and vulnerable women being targeted by criminals.

“The reality is scary, we are witnessing young people across our constituency overdosing and lying unconscious in public spaces as a result of drugs, as well as growing reports of women being coerced and sexually exploited by drug dealers.”

Mr Donnelly commended local drug and addiction services for their efforts but stressed that many are operating beyond capacity, creating long waiting times and service gaps—particularly for those dealing with both mental health and substance misuse issues.

“Despite the efforts of local drug and addiction services, most facilities are stretched beyond capacity, resulting in long waiting list times and gaps in dual-diagnosis care. This refers to individuals who face both a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, and a substance use disorder at the same time.

“This is causing vulnerable people to fall through the gaps and leaving many without the care they desperately need.”

Calling for immediate action, he urged the Executive to prioritise investment in preventative and rehabilitative support, emphasising that the issue goes beyond addiction alone and is deeply linked to wider socio-economic challenges.

“We need urgent action. Starting with investment in early intervention and treatment services. In order to tackle drug related harm, we not only need to provide rehabilitation services, but we also need to address the root causes of substance misuse by providing access to addiction support and mental health care.”

“Addiction and trauma are on our doorsteps and are breaking lives apart. This crisis requires a coordinated approach across various departments that addresses not only substance misuse but also the socio-economic factors that contribute to it. By doing so, we can reduce harm and save lives.”

As the Mid and East Antrim area continues to grapple with drug harm, the MLA’s intervention adds growing pressure on Stormont to act decisively.

Advocates and service providers across Northern Ireland have consistently warned of a looming public health emergency if meaningful support is not delivered soon.