Matters of Priority
2. Drug harm
We know that illegal drugs destroy lives. We all see the damage they bring to our communities. And there is a clear connection between drug dealing and other crimes such as theft and violence.
We’re committed to tackling all aspects of illegal drugs, from neighbourhood dealers to organised gangs. We’re doing this by investing extra money and resources in our community teams. And we’re providing specialised training for officers to help spot the signs. Together we can make a big difference.
What is drug harm?
Drug harm is not just about tackling those possessing or supplying drugs, it’s also about tackling the other offences that go hand in hand with drugs. These can include:
- Child neglect and exploitation
- Cuckooing
- Serious violence
- County lines
Organised criminal groups (OCGs) often take advantage of the most vulnerable in our communities by taking over their homes to set up base or recruiting them to transport drugs and cash across the county on the gangs’ behalf. Many of these victims can feel trapped and under the threat of violence or intimidation feel they have no other choice but to do as they are told.
What has been done so far?
Combating drug harm and the crimes linked to those who supply or use illegal substances will never be an easy task, but the force has made positive steps towards making our communities safer, and in doing so has:
- Operation Voltage has disrupted multiple drug lines, and closed several others
- Specialist drug dog searches have been made in Daventry, Towcester and Brackley, resulting in several drug seizures
- Significant falls in anti-social behaviour and residential burglary, both of which are closely tied to drug harm
- In 2022, Operation Revive made 21 referrals to the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV), which helps to protect people from violence associated with drugs
- 18 convictions for violent and drug related offences were made in 2022
For more up-to-date stories and highlights regarding our fight against drug harm, please visit our News page.
Advice and information
Drug harm can have a widespread effect and it’s important we tackle the issue head on to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. If you’re worried about someone or you need help yourself, there’s plenty of help and advice available.
Use the links below to get support and information regarding drug harm and learning how to spot the signs when it comes to things like cuckooing and child criminal exploitation.