Drugs

The Government published a new ten year drug strategy on 27 February 2008 the main features of which are: -

 

Drugs cause considerable harm to society. The Government, working with the police, enforcement agencies and prosecutors, treatment services, children’s services and communities, is determined to tackle the problem. Our shared ambition is to see communities with drug-free streets and our young people and families making drug-free choices.

 

Why are we tackling drugs?

Illegal drugs ruin lives and damage communities. They cause crime and poor health – at a cost to the nation of around £15 billion a year for the most dangerous drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin. The most vulnerable among us are often the hardest hit. The Government will continue to do everything it can, internationally, nationally and locally, to reduce the harm caused by drugs. We will do this working closely with a vast range of people, including you – local residents in the community.

 

Our aim is:

 

•         A society free of the problems caused by drugs

•         Fewer young people using drugs

•         To ensure those who enter treatment complete it

•         Cut drug related crime

•         Reduce the harm to individuals, families and communities.

 

We will achieve this in four themes:

 

–       protecting communities through enforcement to tackle drug supply, drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour;

–       preventing harm to children, young people and families affected by drug misuse;

–       delivering new approaches to drug treatment and social re-integration;

 

–       public information campaigns, communications and community engagement

 

For further information

 

For further information on drugs and the Government’s new ten-year drug strategy, Drugs: protecting families and communities, go to: www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

Find your local drug treatment service in the telephone directory under ‘Addiction’ and ‘Drug abuse and advice’ or go to www.talktofrank.com or phone FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 (Monday to Friday 8:30 - 18:00).

 

If you are concerned about drug dealing or drug misuse in your community you should contact your local Neighbourhood Policing team.

For further information please contact the Drugs Team.