Latest figures show decline in drug offences

The latest figures show an overall decline in the number of offences recorded involving mephedrone or meow meow across the entire county. The biggest reduction can be seen in the Llanelli Town (61% change) and Llanelli rural (65% change) areas.

The figures follow recent press reports which claimed Llanelli was one of the worst areas for meow meow usage in Wales.

“What recent national press reports have failed to explain is that the figures for 2012 were disproportionately high because meow meow was a new drug which hadn’t been encountered to any great extent across other areas of the country," said Detective Inspector Richard Hopkin. "We deliberately set out to take a proactive approach to dealing with the issue so as to supress it’s use as best we could prior to it taking hold in the area.”

“I think the 61.4% decline in the figures for this year show quite clearly that our approach worked, and that use of the drug has passed its peak.

“Since January we’ve been running a voluntary testing regime in Llanelli and this supports other community data that the prevalance of Meow Meow has fallen significantly.

“Officers will continue to proactively target substance misuse. Anyone wishing to report information to help us can do so by calling us on 101 or using the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

“And remember, if you want any advice of guidance on drug related issues you can visit our website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk and www.dan247.org.uk or call their helpline on 0808 808 2234.”