Deputy defends force drugs record

Mr Wolfendale said there had been successes targetting networks

The deputy chief constable of North Wales Police has denied the force has eased its fight against drug dealers.

The number of hard drugs suppliers charged in the last year has dropped to 90 - down from 126 the previous year.

But Clive Wolfendale told the police authority's performance review committee the figures concealed an "incredible" success when it came to targeting bigger, organised networks.

Chief constable Richard Brunstrom has called for heroin to be legalised.

Defending his force's record, Mr Wolfendale claimed the Crown Prosecution Service were now more careful about whether suspects were accused of supplying or simple possession of drugs.

Independent member Morag Webb told the meeting it was a shame so much emphasis was placed on the prosecution of traffickers.

She said the emphasis should be on how many schools hold multi-agency events to make youngsters aware of the harms of drug and alcohol abuse, she suggested.

Last year, Richard Brunstrom said he would be "campaigning hard" for drugs such as heroin to be legalised.

In the past, he has said drugs laws are out of date and that the police are engaged in a battle which they cannot win.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version