Officers to tackle the use of drugs in licensed premises

Officers are working with local licensed premises to tackle the use of drugs in pubs and bars.

Over the weekend, Gwynedd South officers visited 15 premises to conduct checks in the lead up to the busy festive period.

Specialist drug swipe kits were used to test surfaces in the restrooms and toilet areas. Unfortunately, 10 out of 15 of the premises showed positive results of traces of cocaine, including a baby changing area at one location.

Advice has been given to licensees about how to report any concerns going forward and officers will be conducting further visits across the Gwynedd South area in the coming weeks.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Simon Barlow said: “We thank licensees for their ongoing support and continue to work with them to ensure the nighttime economy in Gwynedd South remains safe.

“It is concerning to find evidence of cocaine use in the restrooms of these premises and we are committed to working with partners to eradicate this.

“We will be conducting more visits across the district in coming weeks and have applied for funding to provide drug wipe test kits and anti-drug deterrent sprays to licensed premises.

“I would encourage anyone with information about drugs in their local area to report it to police or anonymously via CrimeStoppers.”

Anyone with concerns about drugs in the local area should contact us via our website or by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.