Why it’s time to crack down on drugs

A NEW year is time for new resolutions and I am sure that many readers will have made promises to improve their health and wellbeing. No matter what it is you want to achieve, I wish you every success.

For some, these challenges will be harder to overcome.

In 2023, I will be doing more work with policing and other agencies to raise awareness of the impact of drugs on society, not just in terms of criminality but the wider health issues which are being caused.

Tackling drugs is one of the top ten issues that you tell me you want action on, and with good reason.

Heroin and crack addicts are responsible for nearly half of all burglaries, robberies and other acquisitive crimes. They must be punished for their offences, as well as treated for their addiction. Because if they can quit drugs, we can cut crime even further.

Any approach to drugs needs to include four key pillars – prevention, enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation. This is what the Government is currently proposing in a series of White Papers on drug possession and treatment.

For first time offenders, those caught with drugs would be subject to a fixed penalty notice and a requirement to attend a drugs awareness course. Second time offenders, they could receive a caution, a further drugs awareness course and may be tested for drugs.

At the final stage, they would then be charged but also given extended sanctions, such as tagging, a driving disqualification or having their passport seized.

In addition, the Government has promised to commission world-class treatment facilities, which will be properly integrated with other services such as mental health and accommodation provisions.

In the last three years, Kent Police dealt with 773 people for drugs possession on more than one occasion and they have shut down dozens of ‘county lines’ drugs gangs.

And with regards to treatment, in 2021/2, over 1,300 people were referred to KCC’s Drug and

Alcohol Team, which is partly funded by my Office. This was higher than the intended number, demonstrating a need for these services.

I believe that the Government is taking the right approach. However, I do not support calls for decriminalisation or legalisation. With cannabis in particular, the evidence is now showing that this would be wrong, and I believe it would be a public health disaster.

Support

There would be negative consequences for people’s health, as well as the potential for increased problems with related crimes and drug driving.

In fact, I believe that cannabis should be reclassified up to Class A so that suppliers are properly held to account for the harm they are causing.

If you, or someone you know, needs help with drug or alcohol addiction there are services that you can access.

Change, Grow, Live works across West Kent and you can refer yourself for support. You can call them on 0330 128 1113, or visit ChangeGrowLive.org/westkent.