POLICE have reported a busy month in relation to drug incidents targeted in the town leading to a number of arrests.

Recording warnings were also given out to individuals who were caught in relation to drug possession.

It comes after concerns were raised earlier this year from Largs Community Council (LCC) over a lack of drug incidents or arrests in the monthly crime report provided by Largs police.

A crime report to LCC in January reported zero drug detections and arrests over the previous two months - in comparison to up to a dozen in a single month during the year before.

The incidents recorded through the most recent reporting period of mid-August to mid-September featured in this week's report for LCC, which is as follows:

  • In an incident in Frazer Street on August 17, a person was reported to the procurator fiscal in relation to possession of a controlled substance. And on August 21, a drugs arrest took place in Waterside Street. A recorded warning was given out by police on August 25 in Irvine Road for possession.
  • Further reports of possession took place at Holehouse Court on August 28 and Royal Avenue on August 30, both leading to reports sent to the fiscal, while another recorded warning was issued at Brooksby for possession.

Police explained in their LCC report that the increase in drug detections came 'from a combination of pro-active patrols and prompt action based on community concerns passed to officers'.

During the recent police and fire sub-committee meeting of North Ayrshire Council, police issued a statement in relation to drugs supply and their efforts at tackling the problem.

They said: "The current position in terms of drug supply in North Ayrshire shows a decrease in charges on both last year and the five-year average.

"Cannabis cultivations have also noted a marked decrease with just three being identified so far this year.

"Possession charges have noted an increase this year but the amounts being found are insufficient to justify a supply charge."

A recent police report to North Ayrshire Council's police sub-committee stated: "Proactivity remains the main focus and means by which these charges are obtained.

"Engagement with the local residents and community groups across Ayrshire continues to provide intelligence information which can be developed to ensure we are focusing resources and action plans in the right areas at the right time.

"Both priority policing team and divisional crime team remain responsive to community concerns and intelligence regarding drug dealing activity.

"With the assistance of intelligence officer information and intelligence is quickly turned around into enforcement action."