25 November 2004
Tough measures to tackle drug dealers and offer more support to users have been outlined in a speech by the Prime Minister today.
As part of the plans suspects will be tested for drugs and would be offered treatment if they test positive. If the offer were declined, they would receive harsher treatment from the criminal justice system.
People who sell drugs near schools or use children as couriers would also face tougher penalties.
Those who are caught in possession of more drugs than reasonable for personal use will be will be presumed to be guilty of intent to supply, which is a more serious crime than possession.
The Prime Minister told police chiefs that the measures aim to break the link between drugs and crime.
He said:
"We need to do all that we can to get as many drug addicted offenders into treatment as possible. The measures already in place to test offenders at the point of charge are working well - but need to be strengthened to increase the number who take up the offer of help.
"If you are a drug addict engaged in crime, you will be offered a way out through treatment and help. If you refuse that offer, it will be made more difficult for you at every stage in the criminal justice system.
"Better treatment, more enforcement aren’t alternatives - they are both essential ingredients of a tough but balanced package. Tough on dealers but support for those who need a way out of the vicious circle of drug related crime."
Home Secretary David Blunkett said:
"The misery caused by drug misuse must never be underestimated. It damages the health of individuals, ruins the communities they live in, and turns law-abiding citizens into thieves, including from their own families. The costs to society are enormous."
The Government aims to increase the number of people treated through its drugs preventions programmes from 1,500 a month to 1,000 a week by 2008.
More drug dealers will also be put behind bars and drugs taken off the streets through a major campaign against crack houses and drug dens, which will target urban areas across England and Wales.
The campaign will bring dealers to justice and seizing their drugs, assets and firearms.
Extra info
- Read more extracts from the Prime Minister’s speech
- More information on the Government’s strategy for tackling drugs (external link)
- Help and advice on drugs issues is available at www.talktofrank.com (external link) or alternatively call free phone 0800 77 66 00.
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