Concerns Oswestry GHB use increasing again rejected by police

Police have dismissed fears the lethal party drug GHB is on the increase again in Oswestry. The assurance was given by Inspector Jim Stafford.

Mr Jim Stafford said he had spoken to West Mercia Police's drugs unit which insisted there was no 'serious cause for concern' about GHB in the town at this time.

He told councillors and residents police would act swiftly if the drug became a problem again in the future.

In April last year seven people were arrested when about 100 officers were involved in simultaneous drugs raids in the town as part of a crackdown on GHB. At the time Oswestry was recognised as being the GHB hotspot of Britain.

At last night's Llanymynech local joint committee meeting Councillor Joyce Barrow said she had heard problems were arising in Oswestry again.

Resident Rick Kerby said he too feared GHB was still a problem.

Mr Stafford said it would take time for Oswestry to lose its GHB reputation.

"It has taken us years to rid ourselves of the label of Oswestry being plagued with drink-related problems but we have done that," he added.

"Oswestry is recognised more now as somewhere that has good restaurants and is a fantastic place in which to live, work or visit. It is a low crime area and hopefully it will stay that way."

He added police were not complacent and would act on reports of drug problems. Contact police on 101.

See also:

• Oswestry has ‘highest GHB drug abuse level’

• Police blog: Taking on Oswestry’s GHB problem

• Oswestry winning GHB battle, say police