North Wales Police: Important to remember possession of cannabis is still a criminal offence

South Flintshire officers say it is important to bust the myth that drugs are a problem for the police alone and parents need to educate their children on the dangers.

Inspector Darren Whibberley said: “We can’t tackle the desire to take drugs, we tackle the crime associated with drugs.

“Cannabis is a hot potato at the moment, it is subject to political debate, but it is important to remember that possession of cannabis is still a criminal offence.

“I remain concerned that young people are offered or encouraged to try cannabis which can lead to experimenting with harder Class A drugs.”

The inspector said their priority is to protect young people from the harm drugs can do, preferring to educate rather than prosecute.

It is hoped officers will soon conduct seminars in the Mold, Buckley and Saltney areas, to educate the public on the signs to look out for and hear what officers are doing to tackle drug dealers and disrupting their activity.

Mr Whibberley encourages the public to keep an eye out for the adverts, adding: “My appeal would be to parents, carers and grandparents to start looking at websites such as Frank, to understand the issues and what to look for.

“If your child is hanging out in large groups, it’s likely they are coming into contact with cannabis and therefore parents need to educate their children on the dangers and to be brave and say no and not succumb to peer pressure.

“We do want to prosecute the drug dealers and that is where our most proactive resources are targeted when it comes to drugs.”

Darren said it is important parents educate their children as cannabis is being marketed as fun, even coming in a flavoured taste, such as peanut butter.

His concern also lies with the crimes relating to drugs, such as petty theft and serious crimes that people can commit to fund their drug addiction.

Anyone with any information can contact crime stoppers, their local street neighbourhood team or 101.