Concerns that 'widespread' cocaine use in Falkirk pubs increasing

dailyrecord.co.uk:

There is "growing concern about increased cocaine use" in pubs throughout Falkirk district, a Grangemouth councillor has claimed.

Independent councillor Robert Spears raised the issue at Falkirk Council 's licensing board today (Wednesday), asking the local area commander what is being done to address the problem.

Police said they were aware of "widespread" use of the drug.Chief Inspector Lynsey Kidd, assured him: "When we do come across cocaine use or any drug use in licensed premises, it is something that we do fair amount of intervention with."She added that many preventative measures were being taken by the Police including instant testing of premises for traces of the Class A drug if a premises is suspected to be involved.Cllr Spears told the meeting: "There is a growing concern about increased cocaine use within our community and a lot of the transactions we believe are taking places in public houses."Can you tell me if there is any progress in fighting this?"Sergeant Malcolm O'May, of Forth Valley's licensing department, said that they were aware that "use of cocaine is widespread".He added: "We are aware that it is consumed in licensed premises and when that is brought to our attention we link in with those premises and make them aware of it.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We