Drop in number of people prosecuted for drugs possession

The number of people prosecuted for possessing drugs has dropped following a change in approach that could keep more users out of court.

In 2018-19, Crown Office figures show 1,794 charges solely of drugs possession proceeded to court, down from 3,506 in 2015-16.

There was a rise in the number of diversions from prosecution, which is considered where there is an “identifiable need” which contributed to the offending behaviour.

The number of diversions in cases when possession of drugs was the only charge rose from 57 in 2017-18 to 324 in 2018-19.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe refocused prosecution policy on diversion from prosecution in June last year.

He told The Times: “I support the use of alternatives to prosecution, including diversion, in appropriate cases.

“In particular, diversion may be used where the accused has an identifiable need that has contributed to the offending and that need may be met through diversion.

“Diversion may, accordingly, sometimes be an appropriate response to offences involving the simple possession of drugs.

“At the same time, the Crown will prosecute robustly and with rigour all those who are actively involved in – and profit from – the trade in illicit drugs.”

Those diverted from prosecution are referred to other services for support.

The Crown Office said that whether diversion is determined to be the appropriate outcome will depend upon consideration of a range of factors, including the circumstances of the accused, but also the nature of the offending and the impact of an offence on an individual or the community.

It comes as Glasgow hosts the second of two drug conferences today.