TACKLING the impact of drugs was top of the agenda at the Safer Cumbria Partnership drugs summit recently, providing the opportunity for key partners from across the county, to discuss the future public health approach to addressing the impact of drugs on communities in Cumbria.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, as Chair of the Safer Cumbria Partnership, hosted the drugs conference with a range of organisations attending.
Presentations included topics such as the dangers of drugs, how to reduce drug relapses, how best to stop supply and, where possible, prevent drug taking in the first place.
During 2021, Crime and Community Safety Strategic Assessment (CCSSA) reported an increase of 24.6% in drugs trafficking and possession in the county and a 30.8% increase in deaths relating to drug poisoning.
Peter McCall said: “Drugs can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, families, and whole communities.
“All the organisations that met today, have some form of plan to help reduce drug use and/or supply. However, by coming together and ensuring our plans all link to one another, we have a better chance to reduce drugs in Cumbria.
“The meeting was a success, and all organisations agreed to work collaboratively to address the identified issues, while aligning to the national ten-year drug strategy ‘From Harm to Hope’.
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“I look forward to working with all partner agencies to tackle drugs in the county, but we need the public to help as well.
“Cumbrians know their communities best, therefore I am urging that if you notice anything suspicious, to please report it to the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Detective Chief Inspector David Cooper, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Close partnership working is key to tackling the issues drug supply and drug use has on communities across Cumbria.
“We regularly achieve successes in disrupting drug supply and bringing offenders to justice, however it is clear that tackling drugs and the associated consequences requires a holistic approach with the support of partner agencies and the public.
“In addition to a hard line on enforcement, we recognise that prevention and diversion is one of the most effective forms of disruption and work with our partners to that end.”
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