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Illegal Drug Use and Organised Crime
06 March 2024
Lead MP
Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP
Responding Minister
Laura Farris
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementTaxationNorthern IrelandScience & TechnologyBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 2841
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Gregory Campbell raised concerns about illegal drug use and organised crime in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the government to ensure that national and international authorities are informed about the issue of illegal drugs being dispatched from hotspots such as central America or eastern Europe. I also request an assurance that the National Crime Agency will focus on this issue continuously, not just after major drug seizures, but on an ongoing basis.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the escalating issue of drug use exacerbated by organised crime, with estimates suggesting that the value of illegal drugs in the UK is between £9 billion and £9.5 billion annually. The total cost to society, including hospitalisations and treatment, exceeds £18 billion to £19.5 billion. Drug-related deaths have increased significantly across the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland where they rose by nearly 100% between 2012 and 2020. Additionally, there is a growing problem internationally with drug cartels causing significant harm.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Thanked her hon. Friend for raising the issue of illegal drug peddling impacting all constituencies negatively, ruining lives and communities. Highlighted the difficulty in Northern Ireland due to low police resourcing and recruitment levels.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commended the hon. Friend for bringing forward the debate and highlighted the difficulties caused by drug gang feuds in his constituency, costing the Police Service of Northern Ireland hundreds of thousands of pounds. Suggested that penalties should reflect the damage done to communities and be paid out of criminals' pockets. Also proposed hitting criminals where it hurts by getting them for tax evasion and money laundering. Asked how regional police forces can better work together across the United Kingdom, including with those in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to combat organised crime. Highlighted the importance of collaboration to seize large sums like €150 million intended for use elsewhere.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
As Chair, he requested all Members to ensure that their electronic devices are turned off.
Government Response
Laura Farris
Government Response
Acknowledged the seriousness of drug issues affecting UK regions, emphasizing how drugs fuel various social problems and organised crime's pursuit of profit. Mentioned Northern Ireland's organised crime strategy from 2021 and discussed cross-jurisdictional efforts. Highlighted steps such as restricting upstream drug flow, securing borders with innovative intelligence-led approaches, targeting the middle market to disrupt organised crime groups involved in wholesaling and distributing drugs, going after criminals' money, and disrupting online sales through the Online Safety Act 2023. Noted progress like preventing 750,000 crimes, including 140,000 neighbourhood crimes, through increased drug treatment provision, major disruptions of organised criminals, and seizing criminal assets. Discussed the serious and organised crime strategy refocusing efforts on new challenges to reduce such crimes, criminalising pill presses used for mass reproduction of drugs, illegal templates for 3D-printed firearms components, various vehicle concealment devices, and strengthening serious crime prevention orders. Assured that questions about policing in Northern Ireland would be taken back to the Policing Minister.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.