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Parents claim children as young as 11 offered drugs in park 

Constabulary says it will continue to act in a robust manner to deter, disrupt and bring those involved in criminality to justice

Police say they will continue to act in a ‘robust manner’ to ‘deter, disrupt and bring those involved in criminality’ to justice.

It follows concerns that children in Douglas are being recruited to become drug runners.

“I personally believe there are at least 10 or more young drug traffickers in and around Douglas and I am aware of others in other parts of the Island as well. The drugs Ketamine and Cocaine are becoming much more popular but cannabis still seems to be the main focus of both the buying and selling of narcotics.”

They are the words of one, of a number of parents, who has contacted Manx Radio to discuss their concerns about children becoming involved in drugs.

The parent, who lives in Pulrose, has asked us to keep her identity protected but she claims that ‘youngsters’ are selling illicit substances in deals ‘pre-arranged’ using the social media platform Snapchat.

The use of social media sites such as Snapchat to promote the sale of narcotics as well as serve as recruiting grounds for drug runners is a recurrent theme. 

“I believe that the police are allowing the drug dealers to continue their crimes by failing to act quickly on the intelligence and evidence they are provided.

“I recognise that the police have visited secondary schools to talk to students about these issues, but I don’t believe this is sufficient because most of the teenagers who commit crimes are statistically more likely to originate from poor socio-economic backgrounds and are influenced by both environmental and social factors.

“The existing drug issue will only exacerbate as a result of the cost-of-living crisis coupled with the lack of real consequences to perpetrators of criminal activity.”

And this woman is not alone.

Manx Radio visited Pulrose to speak to other parents who shared their concerns:

In response to the concerns highlighted by Manx Radio the Isle of Man Constabulary says it has executed a large number of search warrants in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“This has resulted in the criminal activities of those involved to be disrupted and deterred and those involved being brought to justice. 

“Further to this the Isle of Man Constabulary have also conducted both plain clothes and uniformed proactive patrols in the south Douglas area, which has again disrupted and deterred those involved in such criminality and provided reassurance to the local community.”

And for anyone who does have concerns? Well they’re encouraged to report them to Police Headquarters – by calling 631212 – or by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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