Policies 'fail to tackle drug problem'

Updated 08.19 Wed Jul 30 2008
Keywords: UK Drug Policy Commission, drug dealers, drugs

Tough police tactics are failing to deal with the UK's drug problem, a report has claimed.

High-profile convictions of dealers and traffickers make no impact on the £5.3 billion market and if there is a supply problem pushers just reduce the purity.

"We were struck by just how little evidence there is to show that the hundreds of millions of pounds spent on UK enforcement each year has made a sustainable impact and represents value for money" - Tim McSweeney

The UK Drug Policy Commission report calls for the Government to tackle social problems such as gangs and prostitution instead.

Tim McSweeney, one of the report authors, said: "Within the research literature there is a consistent call for a better understanding of how drug markets operate and the role that enforcement can have in reducing the damage caused by them.

"We were struck by just how little evidence there is to show that the hundreds of millions of pounds spent on UK enforcement each year has made a sustainable impact and represents value for money."

The report argues that tackling "collateral damage" such as gang violence and vice would have a greater impact on the drugs trade than big hauls.

David Blakey CBE QPM, of the UK Drug Policy Commission, said: "All enforcement agencies aim to reduce drug harms and most have formed local partnerships to do this, but they still tend to be judged by measures of traditional supply-side activity such as seizure rates.

"This is a pity as it is very difficult to show that increasing drug seizures actually leads to less drug-related harm. Of course, drug dealers must be brought to justice, but we should recognise and encourage the wider role that the police and other law enforcement officials can play in reducing the impact of drug markets on our communities."

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