Newcastle task force sees reduction in drug callouts

A new task force set up earlier this year in Newcastle has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of reported incidents involving the drugs formerly known as legal highs.

The task force is comprised of police officers, staff from the city’s council and health experts. In Newcastle in January of this year, the city recorded 192 incidents involving the substances, but this number had reduced to just 26 by July. The reduction has been welcomed by the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Northumbria, who said that the result is “pleasing”, and stated that high-profile raids and seizures of illegal substances will continue.

PCC Vera Baird commented that the task force’s work has been so successful that other UK police forces and agencies are taking note. She added: “Residents can rest assured this issue will remain a top priority for me and I will ensure our officers continue to get those selling these substances before the courts so we can prevent people from getting addicted to them and putting their lives at risk.”

A spokesperson for the council also commented, saying that they are leading the way with their coordinated approach to tackling the problem of the dangerous substances. The council, in partnership with the police, have closed several outlets that sold the drugs and have also been educating young people about the “catastrophic health consequences” that taking the drugs could have on their lives in an attempt to deter their use.