POLICE have stepped up patrols in and around the skate park and rugby club area in Wellington following a number of drug-related problems.

Sgt Dan Bishop told members of Wellington Town Council at their latest meeting, held via Zoom video conferencing technology, that officers had carried out positive stop searches on people using their powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He told councillors that four youths had been dealt with for possession of cannabis, one adult male was being dealt with for the same offence and a 17-year-old youth was being dealt with for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

The possession offences resulted in some of the youths being referred on to Youth Alcohol Drug Diversion schemes which offer an alternative route for drug possession and drunk and disorderly offences for young people aged ten to 17.

“YADD is a drug and alcohol education intervention delivered by local Youth Offending Services or local Youth Drug Services,” he said.

“It is delivered on a one-to-one basis to which the young person must attend and engage with the youth drug worker.

“The intervention aims to educate young people about the use of drugs so they can make more informed decisions about their drug use and reduce or stop taking illegal drugs. It also educates them on the harms of excessive alcohol use.”

Sgt Bishop also told councillors that police had dealt with 39 separate incidents of anti-social behaviour during February – most of these incidents involved youths.

“Positive action was taken whenever possible using anti-social behaviour legislation,” he added.