Rhun ap Iorwerth to write to Welsh Government regarding drug-related deaths on Ynys Môn

25/09/2019By: Rhys Hughes

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth is set to write to Welsh Government to ask for more support for constituents on the island who are struggling with drug and substance addictions.

Mr ap Iorwerth raised the matter with Health Minister Vaughan Gething as concerns had been passed onto him by constituents regarding deaths relating to drug misuse on the island.

Mr Gething asked that the Ynys Môn AM write to him regarding the concerns that have been raised and agreed to investigate the matter further.

The Plaid Cymru AM said:

“I have become aware of what appears to be a very worrying pattern of drug-related deaths on Ynys Môn in recent times. I say that I have become aware of this because there has been no publicity regarding this matter, and what I’ve heard has come from people in our communities speaking to me to share their concerns.

“I think it is correct to say that there have been a number of deaths in the Llangefni area in a short period of time recently, and the primary concern is that people who misuse drugs have been mixing benzodiazepine drugs with other substances and the results have been tragic.

“Having made enquiries with the Police and the Coroner, it would appear that data isn’t collected in terms of a particular drug that might cause a death, and that it is only registered as a contributory factor.

“As well as raising a question on this matter in the Assembly chamber today, I will be writing to Welsh Government to ask them to look into these deaths, to investigate the possibility of a pattern existing and appealing for extra support which is obviously urgently needed in order to offer help to those who are addicted to drugs so that we can prevent these tragic deaths.”