Arrogant drug sellers are attempting to peddle cannabis to kids around educational institutions by placing QR codes on street lamps.
Angry residents think the stickers—which feature a glossy cannabis leaf alongside a scannable QR code—are aimed at luring "vulnerable" young people into using illicit drugs.
Many of these stickers have been positioned at child-height on lamp posts close to Parkgate Junior School in Watford, Hertfordshire.
After scanning the code, potential clients are directed to a .bz site – registered in Belize, an Central American country – which promotes "top-quality cannabis items" available for next-day delivery.
Certain cannabis varieties come with promotions and discounts – sometimes up to 33 percent off.
Council member Asif Khan, who along with other community members has been removing the sticky labels recently, finds them "quite alarming."
“The placement of these near schools is not appropriate,” stated the 48-year-old, who attended Parkgate Junior School and later sent his two children there.
You wouldn't place stickers promoting smoking or alcohol near schools, right?
I'm not here to argue about the legality of cannabis; however, those flashy stickers should not be placed close to schools.
Numerous stickers — most of which have since been taken down — were affixed to lamp posts and utility boxes along the streets encircling the school, which is located near an Infants and Nursery school as well.
Councillor Khan mentions that he has been informed that comparable stickers have also been discovered in Airbnb properties in the vicinity.
Posters on lampposts along High Street in Watford display messages such as "It's 420 somewhere" [referring to a cannabis-related gathering] and "Get your delivery."
It's a genuine campaign," stated Counsellor Khan, who has two children. "These stickers are everywhere. This isn't the work of just one individual. The placement of these stickers is too low; they're clearly targeting someone younger than 40.
They are prominently displayed throughout this neighborhood, and reports indicate that other regions have also seen similar postings. This situation is extremely troubling and entirely unacceptable. Ensuring the safety of our children must be prioritized.
It's the gig economy: you can have almostanything delivered right to your doorstep, including drugs.
Kelly, a mother of two and a teacher at a special education school living on the same street as Parkgate School, described the stickers as "disturbing."
“It’s disappointing,” the 37-year-old said. “Opposite a school? Kids are very impressionable and vulnerable. Some [at Parkgate] are on their way into secondary school.
“QR codes seem to be everywhere nowadays. Their glossy appearance adds an intriguing touch.”
You must teach your children never to scan any QR codes. Some kids go home alone. It might not involve drugs, but it could still be fraud or worse.
Carol Helmke, who has resided in the neighborhood for approximately three decades, mentioned that drug dealers were vying for clients and needed to devise innovative strategies.
I believe this is all aimed at the younger generation," explained the 71-year-old mother of one. "Drug dealers are constantly competing with each other — it’s really just about profits.
They implant these concepts into children's minds and profit from it. The stickers aim to hook kids.
The mother of one additionally mentioned that she believes children nowadays have excessive exposure to technology, stating: "My boy's initial mobile device was a small Nokia."
It was perfect for a kid. I don't concur with all the nonsense they include in smartphones.
Children today possess an excess of technological devices.
In Alberta, another parent who lives close to the school commented, "I'm relieved I don't currently have a teenager at home. Those stickers are awful. It's terrible that they are focusing on younger individuals."
“If the QR code leads to a website, can’t the authorities simply remove it?”
Farzana Chaudry, who attended Parkgate School during her childhood, concurred that law enforcement should take greater measures against drug dealers promoting narcotics to young people.
"The presence of a QR code on it is worrisome," stated Ms. Chaudry, who operates in the pharmaceutical sector and resides on the same street as the school.
The stickers are located exactly across from the school.
Cannabis is viewed as a mild drug, and these sellers are aiming their attention at the school.
You know precisely who they are targeting. We aren’t foolish.
You notice young men riding electric scooters back and forth along the street.
I've witnessed high-performance vehicles parked at road intersections – their purpose is quite clear.
You don't feel capable of facing them. There's concern for your safety and your family's well-being.
It’s alarming how effortlessly and ubiquitously they make these services available to children through their mobile phones, even offering discounts, all aimed at getting them addicted.
The stickers prove extremely challenging to remove too.
I believe the police could take additional steps such as increasing patrols and responding to the issue of finding stickers near schools.
I understand they are overextended, but they must address these concerns.
The Hertfordshire Constabulary stated: "Watford police are looking into allegations about stickers that reportedly promote the selling of cannabis within the town."
Members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team are investigating the source of these stickers that have lately surfaced on public fixtures in northern Watford.
Individuals possessing relevant details should reach out to the police at number 101. Additionally, reports can be submitted via herts.police.uk or through their online webchat feature.