Woman left in shock after police ‘bungle’ drugs raid

A police spokesman yesterday (Monday) confirmed to the Ballymena Times that officers inadvertently entered the wrong house while carrying out a search operation at the Estate on February 18.

He said: “This house, and its occupants, had no connection with the police enquiry of the time.

“We regret the error and have apologised to the residents for any distress caused. Arrangements were put in place to try to make good the damage caused.

“The incident has been reviewed and steps have been put in place to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence,” the PSNI spokesman added.

Ballymena SDLP representatives, PJ McAvoy and Declan O’Loan, say they are demanding a full explanation from police on what they described as a “bungled” raid.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the SDLP duo said that police conducting the raid at the Devenagh Way Flats in the Rectory Estate in the early evening of Friday, February 18, forced entry into the wrong flat and “disturbed a totally innocent lady in her bathroom”.

Councillor P.J. McAvoy said: “I have learned about this incident from a number of local people and I have inquired into what happened. This simply should not have occurred. How police could have gone into the wrong block of flats and one with a very settled law-abiding population, I do not know.

“I understand that the perfectly innocent lady who was disturbed by the police breaking in was very traumatised, as she was bound to be. That was a terrible experience. I understand that her daughter has had to stay with her for the last week.

“Of course the whole point of the raid was lost which was to catch drug dealers,” he said.

Fellow Ballymena borough councillor and North Antrim MLA Declan O’Loan said:“I am also very concerned about this incident.

“I have contacted the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard, to ask for a report and an explanation. I also want an assurance that everything possible has been done to put matters right as far as possible with the innocent victim of the raid. I believe that she is entitled to compensation and not just an apology.

“There is also the issue that the Rectory Estate which is a very stable and popular area is plagued by a group of drug dealers,” said Mr O’Loan.

“It is time that all the authorities including the Housing Executive got this under control. Recently the police were handing out warning leaflets to drug dealers. If they know them well enough to do that, then the Housing Executive should act against them,” he said.

Responding, a NIHE spokesperson said: “The Housing Executive takes seriously all reports of anti social activity in its housing areas.

“Where there is evidence of breaches of tenancy agreements we will take action, up to and including court action seeking repossession of property if necessary, working with other agencies including the police where appropriate.

“The Housing Executive has taken, and will continue to take, legal action when we have evidence to enable us to do so”.