POLICE CATCH KIDS AS YOUNG AS 12 CARRYING ILLEGAL DRUGS

CHILDREN as young as 12 have been discovered carrying illegal drugs
after stop and search checks by police.

Cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine and mephedrone were found on
youngsters as they were hanging out in streets across Edinburgh and
the Lothians, the Evening News can reveal today.

Since January around 100 children and young teenagers were found in
possession of drugs, 25 of whom were aged 15 or under.

A 12-year-old boy in Bathgate was discovered in possession of
cannabis, and a 16-year-old was found to have cocaine after police
searched him in the city centre.

A number were also caught with mephedrone, a former "legal high" which
recently became a Class-B drug after it was linked to the deaths of
several teenagers.

The highest number of youths aged 15 or under were found in Bathgate,
closely followed by Blackburn and Whitburn.

There were also several drugs finds in the city centre, Leith,
Craigmillar and Livingston.

A number of 14-year-olds were also found with cannabis in Morningside
and the Meadows. The illegal substance most commonly found on
schoolchildren was cannabis, followed by amphetamines.

Children caught with drugs are generally cautioned and details of the
incident are sent to the children's reporter. Depending on the
circumstances, a report may be sent to social services.

A spokesman at Lothian and Borders Police said officers were committed
to several initiatives designed to discourage children and teenagers
from taking drugs.

He said: "We are committed to working with partners to tackle
substance misuse among young people through a combination of early
intervention and education.

"Initiatives such as our annual Choices for Life event highlight the
dangers of substance misuse, and seek to encourage children to make
positive decisions around their lifestyle. This is a hugely popular
event, attended by thousands of children, and the feedback we receive
is always very positive.

"In addition to this, the force has a number of drugs awareness
officers who liaise with local schools to ensure that the latest
advice is available to schoolchildren, including learning packages
that deal with both drug and alcohol misuse.

"This work is carried out in partnership with other agencies,
including local Alcohol and Drug Partnership groups, SCDEA, and ACPOS.

He added: "While we will always look at ways to tackle the root causes
of substance misuse, we maintain a robust approach towards dealing
with any such incidents that come to our attention, and anyone who is
involved in illegal activity of this nature can expect to be dealt
with accordingly."

EWING IN TALKS OVER PROGRAMMES

THE community safety minister will be in Musselburgh tomorrow to learn
about community programmes to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

Fergus Ewing MSP will attend a seminar to discuss the future strategy
of the Mid and East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership.

He will also meet people who use some of its services.