THE North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner has been slammed for his touring of cannabis clubs throughout the UK.

Former Gwersyllt County Councillor and Wrexham police inspector Arfon Jones has been criticised by Assembly Member Darren Miller for his visits to cannabis clubs.

Mr Miller says it sends out mixed messages and that the crime commissioner should be upholding the law.

 

Darren Millar AM

Speaking during First Minister’s questions, Mr Millar called the actions ‘irresponsible’, and called on the Welsh Government to condemn the actions.

Talking in the Senedd, the Welsh Conservative Assembly Member said: “The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner has been extremely irresponsible by visiting these cannabis clubs, and should start thinking about what his priorities are.

“This sort of behaviour sends mixed messages to young people in our country, blurring the lines between what is legal and what is criminal activity.

“Police Commissioners should support people and the police in upholding the law; they should not be encouraging people to break it.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones hit back at Mr Millar's comments, suggesting he should commit more research before commenting.

 

PCC Arfon Jones

Mr Jones said: “This accusation was made by Darren Millar during a serious Senedd debate about the use and availability of medicinal cannabis which has a proven record of alleviating the distress caused by multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

“It is disappointing that Mr Millar has tried to score cheap political points when AMs were discussing a very real and serious issue which affects the daily lives of many adults and children across the UK.

“Unfortunately every time Mr Millar has a foray into the field of drugs policy, he invariably ends up with 'egg on his face' caused by his ignorance of the subject matter.

“Children are far more at risk from cannabis supplied by a criminal black market who don't care how old a child is compared to an age-regulated recreational market as they have in Canada, Uruguay and ten US states.

“Social cannabis clubs have strict membership rules and children are not allowed access which contradicts the two points he makes.

“As a Conservative I am surprised Mr Millar wants to dictate to consenting adults what they can and cannot do in private especially as they cause no harm to others.

“I and my progressive colleagues from Derbyshire and Durham are proud that we engage with all members of our communities including those that choose to use cannabis recreationally without causing harm to others.

“We have no wish to stigmatise or marginalise anyone for their lifestyle but would rather treat everybody with dignity and respect.”