A HARD-hitting film aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of drugs will get its world premiere at Brynmawr’s Market Hall Cinema on January 16.

The 60 minute drama, The Good Drug Dealer, focuses on the impact of drugs like meow meow across Wales and the devastating impact addiction has on families and local communities.

Blaenau Gwent councillors from Tredegar, Haydn Trollope, John Morgan and Diane Rowberry, were the driving force behind the project and co-ordinated the efforts of community groups.

When the councillors were approached by a number of families with their concerns about the availability of drugs, they decided to act to raise awareness of the problem.

They set up a group to look at the impact of the drugs and address the issues. The group included a wide range of concerned professionals and partners including Blaenau Gwent council, Caerphilly council, Tai Calon Community Housing, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, community safety partnerships, Gwent Police and members of the local community.

The culmination is a one hour drama starring Gareth David Lloyd from Torchwood and Darren Evans from My Big Fat Diary.

A council spokesman said: “The film pulls no punches and is designed for use in PSE lessons in schools in the first instance throughout Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly to highlight the often devastating effects of synthetic drug addiction.”

In a joint statement, cllrs Trollope and Morgan said: “The dangers of synthetic drug addiction cannot be underestimated and the effects were brought home to us with the tragic stories of families who have lost loved ones as a result of drug addiction.

“It is important that children understand the dangers of these drugs and that the film makes a real impact in educating children and driving down use of the drugs.”