Drug dealers have been handing out business cards with free samples and lighters to students during freshers week.
Several cards emblazoned with phone numbers, ‘company’ names, and business hours were scattered across the streets of Manchester in a bid to attract newcomers.
Students have said they have been approached in the Fallowfield area, near the main entrance to Owens Park halls of residence.
One student claimed some dealers have even dished out ‘free weed samples’ along with their phone number
Several cards emblazoned with phone numbers, ‘company’ names, and business hours were scattered across the streets of Manchester in a bid to attract newcomers
Lighters have also been given to the youngsters after their arrival for Freshers Week
Police say they know criminals pursue ‘potentially vulnerable’ students, and officers are working to crack down on drug peddling in the area
Lighters have also been given to the youngsters after their arrival for Freshers Week.
One student claimed some dealers have even dished out ‘free weed samples’ along with their phone number.
Police say they know criminals pursue ‘potentially vulnerable’ students, and officers are working to crack down on drug peddling in the area.
One local has branded the practice as ‘disgusting’ and said parents dropping off their children at university will have ‘no idea’ it is happening.
She said: ‘I’ve already found eight drug cards in Fallowfield this weekend. Dealers target new students, its disgusting.
‘Most parents dropping kids at uni have no idea. The cards were mostly found by the shops opposite halls of residence at Owens Park.’
‘Several students have reported similar activity on social media. One woman tweeted: ‘Dealers handing out business cards. Only in Fallowfield.’
While another commented: ‘Walked through Fallowfield once yesterday and got approached by drug dealers handing out business cards and free lighters three times.’
One local has branded the practice as ‘disgusting’ and said parents dropping off their children at university will have ‘no idea’ it is happening
Another resident said ‘dealers’ are also handing out lighters to students. He wrote: ‘Fallowfield dealers back on the free lighter hype with their numbers on.’
One woman said ‘free weed samples’ are also being handed out, commenting: ‘The dealers in Manchester are now giving out free weed samples with their number in the bag sums Fallowfield up.’
Similar activity occurred around the Owens Park area of Fallowfield in 2015.
During autumn that year residents reported bare-faced drug dealers handing out business cards to prospective clients.
An image of one such business card, which was shared on social media, also had what appears to be a sample of cannabis attached in a small clear plastic pouch.
At the time police said the cards would be ‘further researched’.
Similar activity occurred around the Owens Park area of Fallowfield in 2015
After the latest reports of drug dealing in Fallowfield this September, Superintendent Dave Pester, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: ‘We have increased patrols across the area as part of our student safe operation.
‘It includes a targeted initiative aimed at identifying drug dealers who we know are pursuing our students, who are potentially already vulnerable in their new environment.
‘We are aware that business cards have been used in the past and this is matter we will look into further.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to advise those students who have recently arrived in the city about staying safe when out and about. We have a series of safety videos on our website covering all areas of crime.
‘The city is full of new experiences and we want everyone to enjoy their time while here, however we would like to make it clear that we won’t tolerate drug dealing or drug use in the city and our officers on the ground will take action.’