Evil drug lords are exploiting the vulnerable

DRUGS destroy lives. More people die from illegal drugs every year than from all knife crime and road traffic accidents combined. Drugs are behind half of all homicides in this country. Evil drug bosses across the globe exploit the most vulnerable, devastate communities, and ruthlessly dispose of their rivals, all to line their own pockets.

Not only is the human cost of drugs immense, but so is the financial cost, hitting UK taxpayers to the tune of almost £22billion a year.

Decisive action is needed to tackle the supply chains that are responsible for this misery, reduce the demand for drugs, and provide treatment for those in the grip of addiction.

Our 10-year drugs strategy focuses on these three priorities, backed by an additional £900million of funding for enforcement and a world class treatment and recovery system.

Overall, we are investing £3billion in the fight against drugs over the next three years.

We are also funding our trial-blazing Project Adder, through which the police, local authorities, and health

‘Decisive action is needed to tackle the supply chains responsible for this misery’

professionals work together to target drug dealers and safeguard vulnerable people.

It is having great results and seriously disrupting organised crime gangs.

We are also taking the fight to county line drugs gangs. With major support from the Home Office, the police have closed more than 2,400 lines, made more than 8,000 arrests, and protected more than 9,500 vulnerable people since November 2019.

Meanwhile, so-called recreational drug users need to face up to the fact that they are part of the problem. They keep dangerous criminal organisations in business.

Last week we set out an escalating three-strikes policy, under which first-time offenders would be required to pay for and attend a drug awareness course, pay an increased Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution.

Those found using drugs for a second time would be given a caution and face mandatory, random drug testing for up to three months.

Offenders caught for a third time would likely be charged and upon conviction, as part of a civil court order, could be banned from nightclubs, given a drug tag, or see their passport and driving licence confiscated.

There is no quick fix, but Sunday Express readers will know that we have a moral responsibility to act.

This government is determined to drive illegal drugs out of our villages, towns and cities.

There have been more than enough broken hearts.