Pubdate: Fri, 14 May 1999 Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 1999 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd. Contact: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ Author: Martin Breen ANTI-DRUGS PROTESTS TO BE STEPPED UP (Dealers warned of more pickets) SEVERAL anti-drugs protests are expected on the streets of Londonderry in the coming weeks. In one picket in the Rosemount area of the city, a man brandished a crossbow at around 60 people who gathered in the district. The weapon wasn't fired, but abuse and insults were exchanged by rival groups before the protest ended after around 45 minutes. Two RUC Land Rovers arrived in the area of the protest as the crowd was dispersing. In a message to alleged drug dealers, the Rosemount Concerned Residents Group said: "These protests are staged to highlight this ongoing problem of drugs which you have catapulted on to the streets of our area and many others in the town." Sources said further pickets are planned in coming weeks, aimed at bringing an end to the alleged sale of drugs in areas of the city. Last night's action was supported by residents groups in the Shantallow, Galliagh, Creggan, Bogside, Brandywell, Waterside and Currynearin areas. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck