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BBC Wales's Geraint Vincent
"Local organisations working with drug-users say this case is unusual"
 real 28k

Swansea social services director Hugh Gardiner
"There are a small group of children that we're concerned about."
 real 28k

Thursday, 17 February, 2000, 21:59 GMT
Girl, eight, tests positive for cannabis

Cannabis smoker Medical tests showed a pupil had tested positive


Parents of children in Swansea are being offered advice after an eight-year-old girl tested positive for cannabis.

Police and social services have been called in after traces of the drug were found during routine medical tests.



It is a lesson for everyone involved in the community that we must remain vigilant for any signs of drug abuse
Tyssul Lewis, Swansea councillor
The girl's school has written to all parents warning them to be aware of potential drugs abuse by their children.

Meanwhile, police and social service officers are talking to the child and her family about where the drugs came from.

Police are investigating whether the girl may have been given the cannabis without realising what it was, possibly in some form of food.

Swansea County Council and South Wales Police declined to comment on the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mr Atkins said he was confident she did not get them while at school.

'Shocked'

Chairman of Swansea council's education committee Gareth Williams, said he was "shocked" by the allegations, but added he would wait for a report to be finalised before commenting further.

"It has been brought to my attention that in the local community there was an eight-year-old girl who there was an issue with," said Mr Williams.

"It is not our policy to talk about individuals, but I recognise drugs are available in the community and advice has been given to the family and general advice given to other parents.

'Seek advice'

"I did not alert families that there was a drug problem in the area, just that if they suspect anything wrong with their children they should seek advice from their GP."

Swansea councillor Tyssul Lewis said: "It is frightening that the drug problem has reached an eight-year-old.

"But it is a lesson for everyone involved in the community that we must remain vigilant for any signs of drug abuse.

"I am shocked to learn that this has happened in Swansea."

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See also:
16 Feb 00 |  UK
Hellawell: Drugs blitz working already
08 Feb 00 |  Health
'Treat nicotine as a hard drug'

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