Monday 8 June 2009

National tackling Drugs Week Launched

Cumbria Constabulary is highlighting what it does to tackle illegal drug use and supply across the county as part of National Tackling Drugs Week which starts today.

The week, which runs from 8 – 12 June 2009, will see the Constabulary join forces with partner agencies including; drug treatment agencies, local authority, voluntary substance misuse workers, and community groups, to shine a spotlight on the work they do to rid drugs from our communities. They will be highlighting the lengths they go to to identify and prosecute dealers, educate our young people on the harm caused by drugs and focus on supporting individuals and their families affected by drug use.

Public bodies across the county are getting together today at Carlisle Racecourse to kick off National Tackling Drugs Week. The event is being organised by Cumbria Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) with other partners attending including Police, NHS Cumbria, Cumbria County Council, the Probation Service, Healthy Schools groups and treatment providers.

Cumbria Constabulary has organised a range of activities being held across the county including drugs awareness sessions in schools and colleges, the use of the passive drugs dogs, special torches that detect drugs on people’s skin or clothing, and public awareness events in town centres to educate the public on the dangers of drugs.

Cumbria Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said:

“We are working closely with our partners across the county as part of National Tackling Drugs Week to raise awareness of what we do all year round to combat drug-related crime.

"We are committed to building safer and stronger communities across Cumbria and one of the ways to do that is to crack down heavily on those people who involve themselves with illegal drugs. By targeting these people we will also be able to keep a lid on crime generally, as the link between the two is well known. Our policing operations recently have shown that we do not tolerate drug dealers in our area and that the courts are ready to hand out substantial prison sentences to people who supply these drugs.

"Cumbria Constab­ulary is dedicated to tackling drugs crime, and the harm it causes in our communities. We have expert teams of detectives who are dedicated to dismantling organised crime groups and hitting criminals where it really hurts, by affecting their lifestyles.
“The supply, production and use of drugs can ruin individual’s lives, pull families apart and cause huge damage to communities. But by working with members of the community and partner agencies of officers will continue to bring the suppliers of drugs to justice, seize their assets and take away their freedom.

“It is hugely important that people within our communities keep telling us about those involved in drugs. If you know or suspect someone of drug dealing then please give us the information and we will do the rest. The police will only carry on successfully tackling drugs crime if we have the support of individuals within our community.

"We will not tolerate illegal drugs on the streets of Cumbria and it is down to each and every one of us to work together to create a safer, stronger community."

National Tackling Drugs Week provides an opportunity to increase the community’s understanding and remind people of the large number of public services and local organisations, who work together to tackle drugs and the affects of drug use and make communities safer.

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