United we stand (From Barry And District News)

United we stand

BARRY 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, 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 in South Wales to introduce an arrest referral worker, offering assistance and advice to people in police custody with 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.

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

"Working together in partnership with local agencies and members of the public, we hope to remove from society those people intent on ruining the lives of many others by supplying drugs.

"I am calling on the people of Barry to 'Unite Against Drugs.' The number is 01446 731637.