Cannabis seizures RISE by 270% ...yet convictions FALL by a third
A TOUGHER approach is needed to tackle Scotland’s growing problem with cannabis as seizures of the drug soar, it is claimed.
Official figures show a huge increase in the quantities of the class B drug recovered by police.
At the same time, the number of cannabis crimes recorded has slumped.
The Scottish Conservatives say the figures provide more evidence that an overhaul is needed, including tougher sentences for dealers.
It comes amid calls for a ‘fresh focus’ on the menace of cannabis in the wake of the Alesha MacPhail case.
The six-year-old’s ‘evil and wicked’ killer, Aaron Campbell, 16, was an extensive user of the drug.
Experts have said there is now growing evidence that the use of cannabis in adolescence increases the risk of psychosis.
Scottish Tory public health spokesman Annie Wells said: ‘The fact police have made more cannabis-related seizures shows just how serious a problem we have.
‘Cannabis is not harmless. It is responsible for one in ten drugrelated hospital admissions and has been implicated in some extremely serious and unsavoury recent crimes. Police officers are working harder than ever to get cannabis off the streets. It’s time the SNP’s soft-touch justice system backed up those efforts up with stiff sentencing for dealers.’
Scottish Government figures the quantity of herbal cannabis or resin seized by police has soared 270 per cent in recent years, from 318kg (700lb) in 2014-15 to 1,178kg (1.16 tons) in 2017-18.
But the number of drug possession crimes involving cannabis fell 28 per cent from 20,200 in 2014-15 to 14,500 in 2017-18. The quantity of crack cocaine and ecstasy seized also reached new levels.
Scotland has the highest rate of drugs fatalities of any EU country, with 934 deaths in 2017 – including three children under 14.
Experts have said more than 1,100 people are likely to have died after using drugs in 2018. Earlier this month, Westminster’s Scottish affairs committee launched a review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
It will consider the legalisation of drugs including cannabis and the introduction of ‘shooting galleries’, which allow addicts to inject in a ‘safe’ environment.
Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, who leads Safer Communities for Police Scotland, said: ‘We recognise the devastating impact that drugs have on our communities and we are commits how ted to tackling the sale and supply of controlled drugs. We will continue to pro-actively target those who are responsible for the manufacturing, importation, sale and distribution of illicit substances.
‘Enforcement alone will not solve the problem and we recognise the value of prevention and partnership engagement to tackle stigma and influence behaviour.
‘By working closely with partners, we can safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities and make Scotland a safer place.’
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘Substance use devastates too many families and communities across the country.
‘We want to address that and change the provision of treatment and support for those most at risk.
‘That means taking forward evidence-led measures with a focus on improving how we support those who need support and how we address the wider issues that affect them. In the past ten years we have invested over £784million to tackle problem alcohol and drug use.’
Mr Yousaf added: ‘Drug enforcement, including seizures, remains a key part of Police Scotland activity, supported by the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting the police resource budget in every year of this parliament.’
‘Implicated in some serious crimes’