Scandal of Ayrshire cocaine kids

Jul 17 2009

KIDS as young as 13 have been busted for having killer cocaine on the streets of South Ayrshire.

Shocking figures show that 39 under-18s have been prosecuted for possessing drugs in just a year.

That includes two 13-year-olds and four 14-year-olds.

The illegal stashes include ecstasy, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and even deadly heroin.

Data revealed to the Ayrshire Post through the freedom of information act shows a worrying picture of the drugs culture plaguing South Ayrshire.

But most of the culprits are young men, only two of the 39 were girls.

However, Superintendent John Hazlett insists that there isn’t a major drug problem among South Ayrshire’s teens.

He said: “These figures relate to isolated incidents over a period of a year, where young people were found to be in possession of drugs.

“I would stress that there is not a problem with drugs in the under 18 years age group in South Ayrshire.

“This is due largely to the proactive work carried out by the police and the many other partnership agencies working tirelessly in the child protection field throughout South Ayrshire.”

Supt Hazlett explained that numerous projects are in operation in towns and villages across the county in a bid to prevent young people becoming involved with drugs.

These include the Fairway Forward initiative, which takes teenagers on the periphery of gang and drug involvement and teaches them discipline through golf.

The community safety partnership also operates a similar project in multi use games arenas, using football and other games to divert youngsters away from drugs and offer them positive alternatives.

Substance abuse awareness days also offer advice and information to third year pupils in the Carrick area.

Supt Hazlett also revealed that campus cops, community policing teams and the Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives campaign also work towards keeping the drug problem under control.

He added: “All of these are initiatives or part of the daily duties of community police officers which are currently being carried out within the South Ayrshire area.

“Each one delivers a positive message that there is an alternative to getting involved in drug abuse, gang-related behaviour and anti-social behaviour within their communities.

“A great deal of effort is taken to deliver the anti-drug message to school pupils from primary five to sixth year.

“It is very important that we continue with this message.”