Drugs FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about drugs. Click on the question to reveal the answer.
If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch by writing to opcc@dc-pcc.gov.uk
or by calling 01392 225555
This information was published in July 2024 and will be reviewed in July 2025.
What is the Police and Crime Commissioner’s position on drugs?
The Commissioner views drugs in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to be a scourge on our society. They have a devastating impact on individuals, families and businesses in communities. Drugs cause immeasurable harm to people, our economy, our health services and people’s ability to live happy and rewarding lives. For this reason, drugs is a key priority area within the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan 2021-2025
The Commissioner is committed to adopting a two-fold approach to tackling drugs, which addresses both the supply of drugs into our communities and the level of demand for those drugs. Above all, she is determined to equip people with the confidence and tools to report these crimes.
What is the Police and Crime Commissioner doing about tackling drug dealing in my area?
The Commissioner has, through local taxation, funded an increase in police officer numbers which, when combined with a nationally funded uplift, resulted in record officer numbers of 3,610 officers for Devon & Cornwall Police. This figure was achieved in 2022-23 and will be maintained in 2023-24.
In addition, by collaborating closely with all Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables within the region, the Commissioner has been working to target and disrupt drug supply routes into the region through operations which use intelligence, technology, joint innovation and robust policing to stop drug dealers on their tracks. By harnessing our collective power, the Commissioner seeks to create a "ring of steel" around the South West, with all services working together to prevent drugs getting into our communities.
Operation Scorpion sees joint operations between five police forces in the South West of England which started in March 2022 and are repeated regularly. Drugs worth several millions of pounds have been seized since under the Operation Scorpion banner, hundreds of safeguarding referrals have been made and weapons have been taken off the streets.
What is the Police and Crime Commissioner doing to address drug-related antisocial behaviour (ASB)?
As part of the Commissioner’s over-arching focus on tackling drugs, a range of initiatives are taking place across the peninsula to address issues linked to ASB - such as street-based drug-taking and drug littering. Below are a few examples:
- Investment in a dedicated Crimestoppers resource to enhance and improve intelligence on drug activity across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Working with partners to take action in areas where the presence and impacts of drugs are the highest
- Supporting the delivery of Safer Streets projects across qualifying towns and cities in Devon and Cornwall. Commissioners and partners have secured more than £5 million of government funding this year for Safer Streets. These projects include significant focus on town and city-centre based ASB, including drug-related ASB
- Enabling local communities to take forward their own projects through the Commissioner’s Community Grant Fund
I have noticed some drug dealing or drug taking in my local area, what can be done about it?
One of the best ways for drugs offences to be tackled in your local area is for incidents to be reported to relevant authorities. This is essential for improving the intelligence that the police have and enabling a more targeted approach to tackling drugs. The Commissioner is very aware that, too often, people are afraid to report these crimes and she is therefore actively working towards giving people the confidence and tools necessary to report these offences.
The Devon & Cornwall Police website contains information on how to report crime or pass information to the force.
You can also report drug dealing occurring in your community via Crimestoppers, an online platform which gives people the power to speak up 100% anonymously via CrimeStoppers or by calling 0800 555 111.
However, if you are in danger or believe someone may be in danger, please call 999 immediately.
What is the Commissioner doing to address drug driving?
The Commissioner is very conscious of the risks that come with driving while under the influence of drugs and is committed to increasing drug testing on arrest.
The Commissioner will hold the Chief Constable to account for ensuring that officers effectively carry out drug testing on arrest to keep them and other road users safe and to allow early identification of those who require support with their substance misuse issues and enable them to receive a holistic criminal justice response.
In addition, the Commissioner is continuing to invest in road policing capabilities and is working with partners through Vision Zero South West road safety partnership to make roads safer for users and eradicate deaths on our roads. The partnership seeks to tackle drug-driving by increasing public awareness of the risks and consequences associated with driving while under the influence of drugs. (Please see our FAQs on road safety for further details).
I am a victim of drug-related crime. How can I access support?
The Commissioner is responsible for providing a full range of support services for victims throughout Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. She is committed to equipping local communities with the tools and confidence to report drug-related incidents and seek help.
To access victim support, please find relevant information at:
Victim Care Devon and Cornwall
Or call the Victim Care Unit at: 01392 475900
Under the Victims Code of Practice (introduced under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004) victims of crime are entitled to a certain level of service support provided by all criminal justice agencies. Details of your rights under the Victim Code can be found at:
Accessing support is not dependent on whether a victim has reported the incident to relevant authorities. However, reports help us improve intelligence around drug activity across the peninsula.
The Devon & Cornwall Police website contains information on how to report crime or pass information to the force.
If someone is in danger or immediate action is required to save lives, stop injury or catch criminals call 999 immediately.
Alternatively, you may report anonymously to Crimestoppers at Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) or by calling 0800 555 111
Where can I access support for alcohol and drugs misuse?
Information on local and national partners and charities who can provide help and guidance to those affected by illegal drug taking or alcohol consumption can be found below:
Drugs and Alcohol | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)