ACPO comment on Home Affairs Committee Inquiry on UK drug policy

ACPO lead on drugs Chief Constable Andy Bliss said:

“Drug related crime has a devastating effect on communities throughout Britain and the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry has identified key issues for those involved in tackling in the illegal drug industry.

“The drug seizure statistics for 2011/12 showed that, despite concerns that reduced budgets would affect the police’s ability to tackle the illegal drug trade, there has been an increase of two per cent in drug seizures from 2010/11. The policing response to illegal drugs continues to be focused particularly on the criminals involved in drug trafficking and dealing. Forces will work with Police and Crime Commissioners and the National Crime Agency to ensure that resources are best targeted to tackle local and national drug crime.

“New psychoactive substances, which are frequently used because they mimic the effects of illegal drugs, present a particular challenge to all those involved in tackling the harms they cause. The police service will continue to work with Government and with public health bodies to develop an appropriate response to these new substances.”

For information: New pyschoactive substances, sometimes referred to as legal highs are drugs which are not classified under Misuse of Drugs Act having been newly manufactured in order to bypass traditional controls.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk