Co Derry councillors say three masked and armed men entered pubs in Dungiven on Friday evening.
It is understood the gang warned punters and staff that they will take action against people selling drugs.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the PSNI say detectives are investigating the incidents.
The statement said: “Police received reports of a number of masked and armed men entering licensed premises in the Dungiven area on Friday evening, January 19.
“It was reported around 7.20pm that a number of masked, one of whom was believed to be armed with a hand gun had entered a sports club in the Garvagh Road area and made threats before making off.
“Police received a further report around 9.00pm that masked men had entered licensed premises on Main Street and again made threats before leaving.
“There are no reports of any injuries.
“A police investigation has been commenced into these incidents and enquiries are ongoing.
“Detectives would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to these incidents to contact 101.
“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
“Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
SDLP Alderman Michael Coyle told the Belfast Telegraph: “Yes it is quite true….masked men who went into a pub and gave out a warning about drugs in the area”.
Added Alderman Coyle: “Apparently the people there thought it was a joke but there was a warning about drugs in all the pubs in Dungiven.
“I know this does rear its head about drugs in and around the town and people in the past have been warned to get out.
“A few years back they actually arrived at my door to get me to act as an intermediary, to pass on the message to police, so it looks like that could be appearing again.
“This concerns me. There was an implied threat there and whoever was there obviously hid themselves by wearing masks and apparently they were armed.
“So no matter what you think of drugs, I’m sure most people are against them, the threat of violence against people is no answer to it.
“There are other ways and means of tackling drugs, through the proper authorities, there is no need for these sorts of episodes in a town like Dungiven.
“I totally condemn it.”
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