Drug seizures in West Midlands rise by more than a fifth in one year

Drug seizures by police in the West Midlands rose by more than a fifth last year, new figures reveal.

The National Police Chiefs Council said officers across England and Wales are taking even more of the highest-harm illegal drugs off the street and preventing them from bolstering a "multi-million pound illicit market".

Home Office data shows West Midlands Police made 6,728 drug seizures in 2019 to 2020, up 21 per cent compared to 5,573 the previous year.

In the West Midlands, cannabis was the most commonly seized drug, which was involved in 80 per cent of seizures where the drug type was known during that year – follow by cocaine at 13 per cent and heroin at six per cent.

While Staffordshire Police made 2,597 drug seizures in 2019 to 2020, up two per cent compared to 2,557 the previous year. Cannabis was involved in 77 per cent of seizures, cocaine at 13 per cent and heroin at 11 per cent.

Across England and Wales, the number of drug seizures increased for the second consecutive year, reversing the steady fall seen since 2011 to 2012.

Police and border forces recorded 183,000 seizures, a 20 per cent rise compared to 2018 to 2019.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin, the NPCC's lead for drugs, said forces have also "substantially increased" seizure of the highest-harm illegal drugs over the past few years.

He added: "These drugs feed a multi-million pound illicit market and are a key driver in other serious crimes.

"Working with the National Crime Agency and other law enforcement agencies, we pursue organised criminals involved in the drugs trade who often commit other major crime including serious violence, human trafficking and modern slavery.

"We also continue to work with public health bodies to seek to decrease user demand for illegal drugs and reduce harm."

But Laura Garius, policy lead at drug reform charity Release, said this does little to disrupt the drugs market.

"It begs the question of why police think detecting small amounts of drugs is more of a policing priority in 2019 than say, in 2016," she added.

"Criminalisation damages employment and educational opportunities, yet we know alternative approaches, such as decriminalisation or diversion, can result in better outcomes for individuals, communities and police and this is why we need national reform.”

The Home Office said the Government is "committed to driving down drugs supply in the UK through tough law enforcement, which is reflected in the increase in drug seizures made by police forces".