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25/11/2004
Blair unveils 'tough' anti-drugs package
The Prime Minister has today unveiled a series of measures designed to deal with drug dealers and to offer more support to users.
As part of the plans, suspects will be tested for drugs and would be offered treatment if they test positive. If the offer is declined, suspects can expect "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: "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."
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.
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."
A major campaign against crack houses and drug dens, which will target urban areas across England and Wales, will also be launched as part of the crackdown.
(gmcg/sp)
As part of the plans, suspects will be tested for drugs and would be offered treatment if they test positive. If the offer is declined, suspects can expect "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: "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."
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.
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."
A major campaign against crack houses and drug dens, which will target urban areas across England and Wales, will also be launched as part of the crackdown.
(gmcg/sp)
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21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
04 December 2003
Ecstasy in decline but drug use is 'stable'
Class A drug use overall has remained the same but ecstasy use has fallen by a fifth, according to Home Office figures published today. Figures for 2002/03 show that class A drug use among young people has been "broadly stable" since 1996 with recent falls in some individual drugs, such as ecstasy which has fallen for the first time.
Ecstasy in decline but drug use is 'stable'
Class A drug use overall has remained the same but ecstasy use has fallen by a fifth, according to Home Office figures published today. Figures for 2002/03 show that class A drug use among young people has been "broadly stable" since 1996 with recent falls in some individual drugs, such as ecstasy which has fallen for the first time.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
