Concern as drug deaths quadruple
THE number of deaths caused by drugs has quadrupled in Llanelli, sparking a desperate plea to young people.
Latest figures show the number of people killed by drug misuse in the town leaped from three in 2006 to 10 in 2007, to 13 last year — more than one a month.
Meanwhile, almost two thirds of those arrested have taken drugs or have a drug problem, say police, who are calling for more resources to be put into tackling addiction locally.
And experts warn the situation is only going to get worse.
Alan Andrews, who runs drugs intervention programme Chooselife, said: "Is this going to increase? I say it would, because society these days is geared towards a pill for every ill."
The ages of those who have died range from a 16-year-old girl to an 86-year-old pensioner, with young men featuring heavily.
Chief Inspector Steve Griffiths described drug misuse as a major issue.
He said: "We have a dedicated team of detectives based in Llanelli specifically set up to catch heroin dealers, to reduce the availability of heroin."
Read more in this week's Llanelli Star.
4 Comments
by T Pryce, Germany
Tuesday, September 29 2009, 7:10PM
“Mr Edwards.
I believe that the BNP is the only party that can and will do anything to relieve our country of it´s most trying problems. I´m sure most people feel strongly about the drug dealers and what missery the bring to the families of addicts. But comments about hangings on TV is not going to help the BNP move forward to its goals. It´s something that one would expect in an Islamic country but not here in Britain.”
by Ryan, Swansea
Friday, September 11 2009, 3:11PM
“Edwards, you have again made a fool of yourself and your party.”
by Redders, Neath
Friday, September 11 2009, 12:55PM
“The one sure way of preventing heroin deaths and addictions in this country is to prevent the supply in the UK. Heroin does not grow and can not be culitvated in the UK so it is all being smuggled in. Therefore BUY the entire supply produced by the poppy fields and use the opiate for medical purposes (morphine) instead.
Cllr Edwards your comments repulse me. Public hangings? Dear god, what a step backwards that would be. The death penalty? How ill informed. Do you think this has prevented similar problems in the US where they have this option?”
by Councillor Kevin Edwards, South Wales British National Party
Thursday, September 10 2009, 6:48PM
“The Britsh National Party realise the problems that the drug trade has inflicted on our people and our country and are prepared to confront the problem " head on ."
When we come to power we would embark on an unprecedented program of " Drug Rehabilitation." This program would be available to everyone affected by this evil.
We have for a long time advocated in our manifesto that where appropriate the " Death Penalty" would be made available as an option to judges.
This would be included for the " Evil Scum " who peddle this misery on our streets for their own profit.
Personally I would like to see the first three pushers/dealers hung in front of the cameras on national TV.
I wonder how many of these " Suppliers of Death and Misery" would be out there the following day plying their trade ?
Not many I guess !”