Loyalist group PAD threatens to shoot ‘scumbag’ drug dealers
Claims that a new vigilante group has been set up to target drug dealers in Londonderry’s loyalist areas are causing fear in the Protestant community, a politician has said.
A DUP councillor has passed on to the police a letter he received claiming to be from a vigilante group calling itself ‘Prods Against Drugs’ (PAD).
PAD claimed that it was aware of the names and addresses of “scumbag” drug dealers in the Newbuildings, Tullyally and Drumahoe areas and threatened to “shoot or kneecap” them within 48 hours if they did not desist from their activities.
Councillor Gary Middleton found the letter attached to his car windscreen when he arrived home on Saturday evening.
He said the letter had sparked widespread anxiety among residents in the Waterside.
The alarming development follows a bloody campaign waged by deadly vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) in nationalist areas of Derry
Mr Middleton said: “We do not want to see a replica of what has gone on in nationalist areas.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 0800 600 8000.
