Children in north Wales are in danger due to the increasing availability of a hazardous drug being bought through social media platforms. Reports from a Conwy Council meeting revealed that young people in the area are using Ketamine, a Class B substance, in combination with alcohol, leading to severe consequences. Recently, there have been incidents of children overdosing on Colwyn Bay beach after consuming this potent anaesthetic. The ease of access to Ketamine due to its low cost and online availability is a significant concern.
Addressing this urgent issue, Abergele councillor Paul Luckock urged councillors to acknowledge the distribution and consumption of Ketamine among local children. He emphasised the need for active engagement with various agencies to understand the extent of the risk posed to children by this dangerous substance. Efforts by North Wales Police, such as conducting high-visibility patrols in areas like Colwyn Bay and Abergele, have been implemented to combat the abuse of Ketamine.
Councillor Luckock raised the issue of Ketamine being sold through social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, highlighting the challenges in tracking and regulating its supply chain. He stressed the importance of holding social media companies, legitimate purchasers, and producers of the drug accountable for its circulation in the community. Chief Inspector David Cust acknowledged the complexities surrounding the illegal distribution of Ketamine and the challenges in identifying its sources.
An alarming incident at Colwyn Bay beach, where Ketamine mixed with alcohol led to the overdose of two children, underscored the severity of the situation. Chief Insp Cust emphasised the need to focus on assisting, rather than just arresting, children found with Ketamine to understand the underlying reasons for their drug use. Measures taken by the police near the Bayview Shopping Centre have helped in reducing local drug distribution, but more direct engagement with substance-using children was recommended.
Barnardo’s received 94 referrals in 12 months to support young people in Conwy and Denbighshire dealing with substance abuse issues. The increasing use of Ketamine among children accounted for a significant proportion of drug referrals, surpassing alcohol-related cases and nearing cannabis-related referrals. Authorities highlighted the potential risks associated with Ketamine, including irreversible damage to vital organs with frequent and excessive use.
To raise awareness about Ketamine abuse, a campaign was launched targeting schools in Conwy, with an emphasis on distributing educational materials to secondary school students. Chief Inspector Cust encouraged the public to report any information related to Ketamine trafficking through official police channels. The concern over the growing trend of Ketamine use among children and young people in the region prompted a call for more proactive measures to address the root causes of substance abuse.
In conclusion, the detrimental effects of Ketamine on young individuals in north Wales highlight the pressing need for collaborative efforts between authorities, social media platforms, and the public to tackle the distribution and consumption of this dangerous drug. The focus on prevention, education, and intervention is critical in safeguarding the well-being of children and combating drug abuse in the community.