Induction pack: Addiction and substance misuse portfolio

Summary

This induction pack provides essential guidance for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and stakeholders in tackling illegal drugs. It outlines why drugs should be a priority for PCCs, the key strategies they can use to address drug-related crime, the national policy context, and how it links with local partnerships.

The document covers key areas of interest, including synthetic opioids, Project ADDER, County Lines, Buvidal, Naloxone, and Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA). It highlights the impact of drugs on communities and crime rates while offering practical approaches for enforcement, treatment, and prevention.

Key highlights 

Impact of drug use:

• 3 million drug users in the UK.
• 1 in 3 prison places occupied by individuals with serious drug addiction.
• Half of all homicides and nearly half of acquisitive crimes (excluding fraud) are drug-related.
• Drug-related crime costs society over £19 billion annually.

Strategic approach to drug policy:

• Enforcement – Disrupt drug supply through policing initiatives (e.g., County Lines closure, drug testing on arrest).
• Treatment & Recovery – Increase referrals to treatment to help individuals overcome addiction.
• Prevention – Implement early intervention strategies, public awareness, and education to reduce demand.

Key findings

County lines and drug markets

• County Lines operations exploit vulnerable individuals for drug trafficking.
• Since 2019, over 5,600 County Lines have been closed, leading to 16,500 arrests and 8,800 safeguarding referrals.
• “Cuckooing” – criminals taking over vulnerable people’s homes to store and distribute drugs.

Synthetic opioids crisis

• Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are 50 times stronger than heroin.
• Linked to rising drug-related deaths.
• National efforts include the expansion of naloxone distribution to counter opioid overdoses.

Project ADDER (Addiction, Disruption, Diversion, Enforcement, Recovery)

• Launched to tackle drug-related harm in 13 high-risk areas.
• Has led to:
  • 35,724 arrests.
  • £12.8 million in cash seizures.
  • 13,500 community drug interventions.

Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA)

• Identifies drug misuse among offenders.
• Expanding to cover more drugs and trigger offences.

Public safety and antisocial behaviour

• Half of people who feel unsafe alone cite drug dealing as a reason.
• Drug-related antisocial behaviour includes public drug use, paraphernalia disposal (e.g., needles, nitrous oxide cannisters), and violent crime.

Gambling and alcohol-related crime

• Alcohol is a factor in 39% of violent crimes in England.
• Gambling-related crime includes theft, fraud, and domestic abuse.