CHILDREN as young as 11 have been arrested in the region on suspicion of dealing drugs, an investigation by The Northern Echo has revealed.

Figures from the region’s police forces show more than 3,500 under-18s were arrested for drugs offences over the past four years.

The Northern Echo used the Freedom of Information Act to unearth evidence that pre-teen children are selling drugs across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

The investigation found:

● Cleveland Police arrested an 11-year-old on suspicion of dealing drugs;
● Several 12-year-olds from York, Malton and Scarborough have been arrested on suspicion of selling and possessing drugs;
● A 13 -year-old was arrested on suspicion of selling drugs in Bishop Auckland;
● A ten-year-old was arrested for possessing cannabis in Ashington.

Elsewhere, a 12-year-old was arrested in Peterlee, on suspicion of possession, Durham Police arrested two 12-year-olds and three 13-yearolds for drugs offences last year, and a a 12-year-old was arrested in Sunderland last May on suspicion of selling a Class B drug.

Northumbria Police made 2,197 arrests of under-18s – more than the other three forces put together. Durham Police made the fewest arrests – 248 over the four years.

In general, the number of arrests remained constant over the period.

Senior politicians say the investigation reveals the need to educate the public about the dangers of drugs.

Minister for the North-East Nick Brown said: “The police and courts need to remain vigilant, but at the same time we need to continue to focus on the public health and education issues.

“We need to explain again and again why it is wrong to be involved in drugs, and never give up telling this message.”

Lord Michael Bates of Langbaurgh, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said people who dealt drugs and got children involved in drugs should face tougher sentences.

He said: “We also need better education for children and for their parents so they can look out for the tell-tale signs that their child is involved in drugs. It is far better that parents can intervene than it becomes an issue for the school or police.”

Elliot Elam, of Addaction, the UK’s largest drug and alcohol treatment charity, whose staff work in custody suites across the region, said children often developed a problem with drugs because of their parents’ involvement.

He said: “With the right treatment, we can address the problem and start to reduce the amount of crime caused by drugs. Help is available, it’s free and it’s confidential.”

The Children’s Society said it believes that, when a child is involved in drugs, the main concern must be their welfare.

Rafi Cooper, spokesman for the charity, said: “Our objective in working with children affected by substance misuse will be first and foremost to promote and ensure their safety, and to minimise any harm they may suffer, or be at risk of suffering.”