Police text support advice to drug dealers’ mobile phone contacts
Police sent advice on finding help for substance abuse to thousands of phone numbers discovered on mobiles seized as part of a major drugs operation, it can be revealed.
The move is recorded in the latest Police Scotland quarterly performance report, which highlights the force’s adoption of a “public health-led approach” to those involved in drug misuse.
The tactic aims to ensure anyone involved in drug misuse is aware of the help available.
The report states: “Police Scotland recently sent advice on substance misuse to thousands of phone numbers discovered on mobile phones seized as part of an intelligence-led drug operation. Mobile phone numbers which had been in contact with the devices were each sent a text message highlighting where support and assistance on drug misuse could be obtained.
“As part of our public healthled approach the aim is to ensure those who feel they need support are made aware of where assistance can be obtained.” Police Scotland said officers from Greater Glasgow’s Serious Organised Crime Unit seized a number of mobile devices during an intelligence-led operation. This led to thousands of mobile numbers being obtained “during legal examination of the devices”, with messages signposting to support being sent to the numbers saved as having been in contact with the drugs lines.
The message acknowledged that the individuals may not have purchased drugs but provided details of where support and assistance for substance misuse could be obtained.
Detective Inspector Tom Carey of Greater Glasgow Serious Organised Crime Unit said: “We are committed to disrupting the activities of organised criminals and making it hostile for them to operate.
“However, we are acutely aware that there are people with vulnerabilities who may require support for problematic substance use.
“Police Scotland takes a public health-led approach to the harm of drugs and we want to make people aware support is available, if they feel they need it.
“Serious organised crime has no place in our communities or a civilised society and we will continue to work with others, such as the members of the Serious Crime Taskforce, to thwart the nefarious activities of those involved.”
The performance report adds: “Tackling substance use and the harms they cause is complex. Poverty due to ongoing economic difficulties and any mental health vulnerabilities can add to these complexities.
“Recent increases in the cost of living will have unfortunately compounded these issues further. It is acknowledged that it is necessary to adopt a public health, whole system approach when addressing the harms caused by problematic substance use.
“Our focus in the area of drugrelated deaths is on identifying primary prevention and intervention opportunities.
“Through working with partners, we can reduce the harm caused by substance use to individuals and communities. These aims are forwarded through major internal and external forums such as the National Drug Strategy Board, the Drug Harm Prevention Group and the multi-agency Scottish Drugs Deaths Taskforce.”