Access to drugs getting easier, says police chief

Rise in possession crimes indicates wide availability of substances

Tayside’s top policeman has warned it is becoming easier to get illegal drugs in Dundee and Perth.

Chief superintendent Andy Todd said a massive rise in the number of recorded crimes of possession indicated a greater number of illicit substances are now readily available on city streets.

Drugs including cocaine, heroin, diazepam and cannabis have been seized by police this year.

His comments come just days after the publication of Dundee Drug’s Commission’s report into tackling substance abuse in the city.

According to Police Scotland figures, there were 221 recorded crimes of drug possession in Dundee in 2018-19.

Just five months into the 2019-20 financial year there have already been 337 recorded crimes of possession – an increase of 52%.

The figure is also above the five-year average of 224.2 crimes of possession.

The number of crimes of possession has also more than doubled in Perth and Kinross, from 78 last year to more than 178 so far in 2019-20.

Angus is, so far, bucking the trend as the number of crimes has fallen from 81 to 67.

Ch Supt Todd said: “The number of possessions is up by 116 compared to the same time last year.

“That is not a reflection of any increase in stop and search. It is usually an indication of more drugs in the city and individuals we come into contact with have more in their possession.”

Speaking at the meeting of Dundee City Council’s community safety and public protection committee, he added the force would continue to “aggressively pursue” those who profit from the supply and sale of illegal drugs.

Council leader John Alexander asked Mr Todd what is being done to tackle drug dealing.

He said enforcement would not solve Scotland’s drug crisis alone but said Police Scotland would be “relentless” in its pursuit of dealers.

He added: “There will be some who are victims and we will signpost them to the help they need but we are after the people who are profiting.”

It is understood 43 people have been charged with being concerned in the supply of drugs in Tayside so far this year.

The report presented to councillors said a Response Against Prescription and Illegal Drugs (RAPID) bin scheme is to be introduced in parts of Dundee this month, allowing people to dispose of drugs securely.

There were 66 drug-related fatalities in Dundee last year.

The Drugs Commission report contained damning critiques of drug services in Dundee as well as a series of recommendations about how they can be improved.

But the Scottish Police Federation, which represents police officers, said it was “regrettable” it had not been able to look at how enforcement issues and cuts to police budgets are contributing to the drugs crisis.