Lockhart to meet PSNI over Lurgan drug fears

Carla Lockhart MP • March 3, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her concerns at reports of an increasing prevalence of drug use in the Lurgan area, particularly amongst school age young people. The DUP representative will be meeting the PSNI and engaging with local principals to bring about a co-ordinated approach to this issue.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Over recent weeks I have become aware of rising concerns in the community in relation to drug availability and drug use amongst our younger people.

 

It is clear that drugs gangs are active in the area, and preying on our youths. It is an appalling action, and our schools are facing the impact of drug use on pupils on a daily basis. It is an added pressure on school staff and leaders and it is vital they are supported in addressing these difficult situations.

 

I will be meeting with the PSNI (Monday) to ascertain what actions they are taking to tackle this supply of drugs in the area. First and foremost this is criminal activity, and must be tackled. I will also be engaging with school leaders to ensure they have adequate support from EA.

 

I would plead with our local young people to steer clear of these gangs and the misery they are peddling in the community. Drugs destroy lives, and to see young lives full of potential ruined by drug use is something we should all work to combat.”

Share

MP urges finance Minister to review publicly funded food procurement for schools in NI

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised the Education Authority for its lack of transparency, following confirmation that halal meat is being unknowingly served in Northern Ireland schools.

Lockhart Calls for Clarity on Single-Sex Spaces

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has called on the Government to urgently provide clear guidance on the protection of single-sex spaces in workplaces, following a cross-party meeting at Westminster with nurses involved in high-profile legal cases.

Lockhart Supports Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and Calls for Improved End of Life Care

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has pledged her support for improved palliative and end of life care services following her attendance at Marie Curie ’s Great Daffodil Appeal event in Parliament.

Lockhart Welcomes Strong Turnout for Church Funding Booklet Launch

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed a strong turnout at the launch of her Church Funding Booklet at Oxford Island, with more than 140 people in attendance from churches and faith-based organisations across the constituency and beyond.

Lockhart Welcomes Launch of ‘4ever Mums’ Initiative in Lurgan

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting women and mothers in Lurgan.

Lockhart Praises Community Support During NI-Wide Hospice Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has praised the generosity of the local community and the dedication of volunteers after taking part in a Northern Ireland-wide Big Bucket Collection in Banbridge in support of Evora Hospice .

Lockhart Attends Series of Community Events Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has spent a busy Saturday attending a wide range of community, church and charity events across the constituency.

Lockhart Honours Esther Halliday for 55 Years of Service

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Mrs Esther Halliday from Waringstown following an extraordinary 55 years of service within the Health Trust, including more than four decades dedicated to maternity care. 

Lockhart supports call for core standards on UK food imports

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her support, calling for stronger protections for local farmers, after attending a Westminster reception hosted jointly by the NFU, RSPCA and WWF.

MP highlights need for access to tractor training courses for teenagers at CAFRE

By Carla Lockhart MP • March 24, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has called for urgent action to expand access to the Safe Operation of Tractors training for young people, warning that current limitations risk undermining vital farm safety efforts.