Tuesday 12:30
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins has today welcomed a 13 per cent drop in drug related crime in the Northumbria Police Force Area and a record increase in numbers of drug misusers entering treatment.
The Minister was visiting Gateshead as part of a nine-month nationwide tour to see how the Government's Drug Strategy is impacting on communities across the country.
After an event with local service providers and community representatives, the Minister visited the North East Council on Addictions (NECA), which offers a range of services to those concerned about drug related problems, including family, carers and friends.
The Minister spoke to drug workers and former drug users about what more can be done to help reduce drugs misuse in the region by getting more people the support and treatment they need.
Paul Goggins said:
"Tackling drugs remains one of the Government's highest priorities, with record investment, new powers and an expanded workforce. For the individual, drug misuse means wasted potential, missed opportunities, failed relationships and even a loss of life.
"But drug related crime is coming down. Increasing levels of drugs are being seized, record numbers of drug mis-users are accessing treatment and the levels of drug misuse among young people is falling. For all the problems that remain, these facts tell us that we are making progress.
"Testing on arrest and compulsory assessment came into effect in Gateshead at the end of last month. These will help to identify more drug misusing offenders within the criminal justice system, help more of them into treatment, reduce the amount of crime they commit and so make communities safer.
"I would like to pay tribute to the many volunteers, community members and local staff I have met in Gateshead today. This is a strong community of dedicated individuals standing up to the harms of drugs and offering support and inspiration to those who need help. They are all responsible for making a real difference to the whole community.
"But I am not complacent and we have more to do. I am as determined as ever to work with people in Gateshead to help bring even more improvements and tackle the misery that drugs can cause."
In Gateshead:
* The number of people entering treatment increased by 52 per cent from 632 in 2003/04 to 960 in 2004/05. The latest figures show that from April 2005 to February 2006, 915 people entered into treatment in Gateshead. * The proportion of people remaining in treatment for more than 12 weeks stood at 53 per cent in January, above the regional average and showing a steady increase overall since April 2005. * Recent police activity aimed at reducing the supply of drugs has led to a closure notice of a house under the Anti-Social Behaviour Order legislation after reports it was being used as a drugs den and as part of Operation Julie one Gateshead-based member of a gang was sentenced to three years imprisonment for supply and possession with intent to supply.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Government launched its Drug Strategy in 1998. It was updated in 2002 and a progress report "Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives" was published in November 2004. These documents can be found at http://www.drugs.gov.uk
Issued on behalf of the Home Office by Government News Network North East.
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