Debate contribution: Sentencing: Drug Dealing

Debate contribution by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on 21 April 2026.

MLA

Ms Cheryl Brownlee

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

21 April 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Opposition Business

Heading

Sentencing: Drug Dealing

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5498074

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I thank the proposer of this important motion for bringing it to the Assembly. Drug deaths alone do not really reflect the full harm caused by substance misuse. Behind every statistic, there is a much wider story. Families are torn apart, relationships are broken and lives are lost not only through overdose but through addiction, despair and, in far too many cases, suicide. With an average of 130 drug-related deaths each week across the UK, we cannot ignore the scale of the problem. The issue is not confined to one place. It is not limited to cities or specific communities. It affects families across every bit of Northern Ireland. We must be clear that those who profit from peddling the poison in our communities are not just low-level offenders; they are criminals. Their actions devastate and destroy families. They rob people of their futures and wreck their communities. Addressing the crisis requires more than isolated action. Whether it is enforcement or prevention, measures can succeed only if there is a truly joined-up UK-wide approach that brings together central government and the devolved Administrations to deliver real, measurable outcomes. We support coordination across all Departments, but that must mean something in practice for the people on the ground. It must mean faster access to treatment, stronger and earlier intervention in our schools and visible and accessible support in our communities. It is deeply concerning that, over the past decade, drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland have increased by 47%. Many of us here know people who are living with the devastating consequences of that, and many people watching the debate will have gone through the trauma of losing someone. Early intervention is, of course, key, and we must prioritise funding for prevention and early support. The Department of Health can improve outcomes for individuals and, by doing so, reduce long-term pressures on the health service. Today, even having the conversation brings to light how important it is that we support those who are struggling in the cycle of addiction. We also must confront the issue of supply. Those convicted of dealing drugs must face consequences that reflect the true gravity of their actions. Sentencing must act as a real and meaningful deterrent and not just be a slap on the wrist. The Sentencing Bill provides an opportunity to ensure that the punishment truly fits the crime. When we look at the high rate of drug-related deaths among our young people aged from 25 to 34, we see lives cut tragically short by supply chains run by individuals who, too often, face consequences that do not reflect the harm that they have caused. Those who supply drugs to young and vulnerable people show complete lack of regard for human life. That is where the support principle of Jasmin's law and the introduction of that factor comes in, targeting and helping people who are vulnerable.

481 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:26 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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