12-Year-Old Boy Arrested in the UK for Allegedly Supplying Vapes Containing Class B Drugs

Three children experienced discomfort after using e-cigarettes allegedly mixed with "illegal drugs."

Gwent police arrested a 12-year-old boy suspected of supplying Class B drugs in connection with one of the incidents that led to a 13-year-old girl being hospitalized.

Following these incidents in Caerphilly and Taff, South Wales, Gwent Newport's education safety department sent letters to schools warning parents to be vigilant about e-cigarettes.

Schools in Monmouthshire, Newport, Taff, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly also received guidance on how to respond to students using illegal substances.

Part of the letter sent to parents stated: "We have two independent cases involving three children who experienced discomfort after using e-cigarettes. It is suspected that the e-cigarettes may contain illegal drugs or toxins, as the children showed signs of distress and collapsed after inhalation."

“The affected children are located in the Caerphilly and Taff areas of Gwent. Please remain vigilant for similar reported cases, address symptoms as needed, and report incidents to the police and social services.”

This comes after the Welsh government called for a ban on single-use e-cigarettes, as Welsh health officials attempt to combat the rising number of children using e-cigarettes.

A report released by Public Health Wales (PHW) in September found that 9-10% of Year 10 students use e-cigarettes daily. The report also noted that single-use e-cigarettes are "very closely related" to the increase in e-cigarette use among children and young people, highlighting their environmental impact.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "We received reports of a medical emergency on Incline Road in Abersychan, Pontypool, around 9:45 AM on Wednesday, December 6. A 13-year-old girl from Blaenavon was taken to the hospital for treatment and was discharged later that day."

“A 12-year-old boy from Pontypool was arrested on suspicion of supplying Class B drugs. He has been released and granted bail.”