Cocaine Awareness Drive Launched

Police in Tayside and Strathclyde have joined forces with more than 50 licensed premises to warn young people of the dangers of cocaine use. Bar staff and management will be handing out information leaflets on the subject during the drive. The move, aimed at 18 to 26-year-olds, also aims to highlight the availability of drug support services.

The cocaine initiative has been set up as part of the Know the Score anti-drugs awareness campaign.

Experts said the class A drug is an extremely addictive stimulant that raises blood pressure and can put a huge strain on the heart.

Tayside Police drugs co-ordinator, Inspector Wendy Symington, said: “Cocaine is becoming more affordable and accessible and therefore it is very important for people to understand that it is a class A drug and carries heavy penalties along with potential health risks.”

Twenty pubs and clubs in Tayside, including Fat Sam’s nightclub and The Globe, have agreed to take part in the weekend initiative, as well as the student associations of Dundee and Abertay universities.