In Gwent, criminal gangs are using vapes to lure schoolchildren into drug dealing
Gwent: It’s pretty alarming what’s happening with kids and vapes in Gwent. Criminal gangs are targeting schoolchildren, getting them to sell vapes as a way to pull them into drug dealing.
These gangs are handing out vapes to kids in schools, promising them cash and cool trainers. It’s like a gateway to something much worse. Some kids are even breaking into schools to get their confiscated vapes back, which shows how scared they are of these older gang members.
Catherine Jones, who works with troubled youth in Torfaen, shared her concerns with local councillors. She pointed out that this isn’t just a local issue; it’s happening all over the country. Gangs are using vapes as bait, saying, “Just sell this for me,” and then they pull the kids deeper into the drug scene.
Jones, who leads community safety efforts in Torfaen, emphasized that tackling anti-social behavior is crucial to keeping kids out of crime. The Safer Torfaen partnership, which includes the council and police, is focused on this issue, especially with the rise of vaping and its ties to organized crime.
She described anti-social behavior as a common thread that connects these risks for young people. Some kids are so desperate to get their vapes back that they’re causing damage in schools, and it’s unclear if it’s out of fear or addiction.
Inspector Lee Stachow from Gwent Police backed up Jones’s concerns. He noted that many vulnerable kids are getting vapes from serious criminals. The amount of vapes being seized shows a clear link to organized crime, and it’s a huge problem.
Stachow stressed the need to break this cycle. They want to stop kids from getting involved in selling vapes and, eventually, drugs. It’s a tough battle, but they’re determined to make a change.
