Addicts in Wales Struggle to Find Drugs After Police Crackdown
A police initiative in Rhyl, Wales, has made it tougher for addicts to access drugs, leading to a significant drop in crime rates.
Rhyl, Wales, Drugs, Police, Addiction
Rhyl: So, it turns out that drug users in Rhyl, Wales, are having a tough time getting their hands on illegal substances lately. This is all thanks to a police initiative aimed at cutting down crime in the area. Since Project Renew kicked off in April, crime has dropped by 14% in this part of Denbighshire.
The North Wales Police have been busy breaking up gangs and making it harder for addicts to score drugs. They’ve teamed up with Denbighshire Council, the health board, and local businesses to tackle the issue together.
Rhyl has a reputation for being one of the more deprived areas in Wales, and the high crime rate hasn’t helped its image. Police say it’s unfair that the town gets such a bad rap.
In the last eight months, officers have conducted 35 raids and made around 180 arrests in a small section of the town. They’re also increasing their presence on the streets, and even hosting coffee mornings for locals to chat about what needs fixing in the community.
Chief Inspector Dave Cust mentioned that some addicts have approached officers, saying they’re struggling to find drugs now that the police have cut off some of the supply. He noted that this feels different from past operations in Rhyl West.
Many of these users want to quit, and the project aims to connect them with the right support to help them get clean. It’s not just about cracking down on crime; it’s about helping people.
What makes this project stand out is the collaboration with the local council, health board, and businesses. They’re also providing assistance to those whose homes are taken over by drug dealers, a practice known as cuckooing.
Chief Supt Owain Llewellyn emphasized that this approach recognizes that some addicts and low-level dealers are vulnerable. If they don’t change their strategy, the same issues will persist in the community for years to come.
He’s clear that the pressure needs to stay on, targeting those who truly harm the community. It’s a tough but necessary job.
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