On the line for drug busting (From Penarth Times)

On the line for drug busting

PENARTH police are cracking down on drugs with a new direct hotline.

Drugs arrests have tripled in the Vale of Glamorgan area in the past three years, with officers seeing an increase in the seizure of Class A or 'hard' drugs such as Ecstasy and heroin.

On Tuesday, August 27, Vale of Glamorgan police Superintendent Colin Jones laid out his hopes that the public join together with the force in the battle against drugs.

He said: "We have launched a direct telephone number for members of the public to ring the police station to specifically pass on information to the police about drug-related incidents. It will also be there if people are seeking advice from the local police Drugs Liaison Officers who work for the Vale of Glamorgan Division."

The drugs hotline is being publicised on posters displayed at local licences premises, leisure centres and public places, calling for people to 'Unite Against Drugs'.

The Vale of Glamorgan Division was one of the first South Wales to introduce an arrest referral worker. They offer assistance and advice to people in police custody who have a drug or alcohol related problem.

Supt Colin Jones added: "We are aware illegal drugs are inevitably entwined with crime within the Vale. Over the past few years we have worked with other agencies to reduce the amount of drugs available on the streets and to provide help, where needed, to those who require assistance with drug related problems.

"We know that the drugs problem will not go away, but we call on the residents of Penarth to join forces with us in fighting this menace of modern times.

"Working together in partnership with local agencies and members of the public we hope to remove from society those people who are intent on ruining the lives of many others by supplying drugs. I am calling on the people of Penarth to indeed 'Unite Against Drugs'."

The number is 01446 731637.