THERE were more than 100 incidents of youngsters being caught with cannabis by police in Gwent in one year a Freedom of Information request has shown.

Between November 1, 2012, and October 31, 2013, there were 113 recorded crimes of children under the age of 18 being caught with illegal drugs in Gwent.

All the incidents involved the drug cannabis with the youngest offender being 13-years-old.

The figures showed that of the 113 recorded incidents, 30 of them involved a youngster between the ages of 13 to 15 years while 83 incidents involved a youngster aged 16 to 17-years-old.

The Freedom of Information request carried out by the Argus asked for the number of incidents involving a child under the age of 18 being caught with illegal drugs in the Gwent area during the time period.

The response showed that all the incidents recorded involved cannabis being found and no other drug.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said drug and substance misuse among people of any age is a concern for Gwent Police and a zero tolerance approach is taken when dealing with illegal drug offences.

She said: “Gwent police works closely with the youth offending team to divert children and young people away from crime and the criminal justice system. When under 18s come into police custody a referral is made to the youth offending team where they can receive the appropriate support following release.

“The 18 school liaison officers in Gwent deliver a very comprehensive educational programme to pupils aged five to 16, which includes raising awareness of the dangers of drug, alcohol and substance misuse.

“Additionally, our neighbourhood policing teams work alongside local groups and organisations to offer diversionary and alternative activities for young people in Gwent to get involved in.”