Drug dealing is being tackled across Rhyl

Heroin, crack cocaine and amphetamines are amongst some of the drugs which have been seized in Rhyl.

The arrests have been made as part of North Wales Police's 'Rat on A Rat' initiative.

"The size and extent of the problem should not be underestimated," said Inspector Roly Schwarz.

"There is no quick solution, but we are determined to rise to the challenge," he said.

The size and extent of the problem should not be underestimated Inspector Roly Schwarz

The scheme was launched last month and to date three housing landlords have been warned about drug use on their premises.

The problem surrounding drug misuse in Rhyl has been tackled before.

In November 2002, the Welsh Assembly Government allocated �88,000 to Rhyl in an attempt to stem the flow of drugs into the area.

Announcing the extra cash the former Welsh Finance Minister Edwina Hart said Rhyl was an attractive place for dealers from big cities in England to sell drugs.

The West ward of Rhyl was classified as the most deprived area of Wales in 2000.

Public concern

Despite initiatives to flush out the problem of drug dealing in Rhyl, Inspector Schwarz said it still exists.

"The size and extent of the problem should not be underestimated," he said.

"There is no quick solution, but we are determined to rise to the challenge."

Malcolm Angel from STARS, a community safety charity in Rhyl admits drug crime is still a problem in the town.

There are 12 wardens that patrol areas of Denbighshire, Mr Angel says they have reported residents' concerns.

"From the feedback that community safety wardens and people at STARS receive from general members of the public we can see that they're concerned about drug issues within north west Rhyl," he said.

The 'Rat on a Rat' scheme encourages people to call police with information about alleged drug activity.

It will run until 30 November and then it will be reviewed to see whether it will continue.