ACPO lead on drugs Chief Constable Tim Hollis said:
“Given the recent public concern surrounding the death of young people who may have taken mephedrone, ACPO broadly welcomes the Government’s decision to classify it as a Class B drug. This decision sends out a clear message to young people that this is a dangerous and harmful drug and should not be taken. It will also serve to suppress sales and provide police with enforcement powers that will allow us to target those dealing in this drug.
“ACPO has recently prepared guidance on the policing of new psychoactive substances to be circulated to all forces and mephedrone will now be included in that guidance. Our enforcement will initially concentrate on those people who sell and traffic this harmful drug rather than on the young people who we may find in possession of it. It is not our intention to criminalise young people.
“The easy availability of this drug and its effects on those who have taken it has been a concern for many people and its new classification will, I am sure, provide a degree of reassurance that something is being done about it. It does not, however, solve what has become an increasingly complex issue and making something illegal does not stop it being sold, bought or consumed.
“Police have an important role to play in reducing the harm of drugs within the community but we do not stand alone. Other agencies need to provide support in tackling this problem and young people themselves have responsibility for the choices they make when out enjoying themselves.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
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The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
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The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.
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ACPO’s 356 members consist of 261 Chief Police Officers from the Home forces of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, plus 74 Senior Police Staff members from the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Non Home forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police have 16 Chief Police Officer members.
