THE Launceston Community Network Panel was given an update on policing matters at their most recent meeting on the evening of Thursday, December 13.

Inspector Lynden Hughes attended the meeting to provide a briefing on the local police force’s priorities in the area, and how their resources are being used.

Having been in his role as inspector for two and a half years, covering Launceston, Bude, Camelford and Callington, Inspector Hughes said the force is experiencing ‘challenging times for the police’.

“When I started in the police 25 years ago, I never thought that I would be investigating organised crime groups in this area. I arrested a 16-year-old lad last year who was found with 25 wraps of cocaine and 30 wraps of heroin on him. It does go on in this area.”

The meeting heard that police are also dealing with regular incidents involving modern slavery and sexual exploitation.

Insp Hughes has visited a variety of Community Network Panel meetings, in order to spread awareness of the incidents occurring across north Cornwall and further still.

The meeting heard that it can take up to two-and-a-half hours for a team of officers to arrest someone further in Cornwall, such as Newquay, giving a real idea of how vital their resources are.

He said: “There seems to be a commonality between the different community network areas. All the areas say that infrastructure and housing are two of the biggest issues for them, and want to know what’s coming down the track.”

Launceston town councillor Jane Nancarrow addressed Insp Hughes, praising the efforts of the local police teams.

“There was an incident in the town centre the other day and I would just like to praise the police on how quickly they came. There was an incident involving a man and I think the police came in about five minutes. They were incredible!

“They were so quick and dealt with it so well. There were lots of older people who were getting quite agitated by this young man. It was nice to see such a quick response.”

Insp Hughes explained that officers respond to and from any local area.

A rising issue occurring in north Cornwall is the use of a prescribed drug called ‘Xanax’ — otherwise known as ‘Alprazolam’, often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

However, Insp Hughes said people are obtaining this drug from the ‘dark web’ and abusing its use. “In mid-November, two children in Bude were resuscitated numerous times in one day,” he told the meeting.

“Now Xanax is in Launceston. This issue is currently at the top of the conversation that we want to start having with people.”

People can get in touch with Insp Hughes about concerns or enquiries on what is happening in their local area, via email.