Shropshire drug taskforce making 'real progress' - police commissioner
A drug taskforce set up in Shropshire last year is making "real progress" in tackling drug problems in the county, the region's police and crime commissioner (PCC) has said.
The Combatting Drugs Partnership was set up in August 2022 and is led by PCC John Campion to tackle the impact drugs have on local communities.
Last week Mr Campion brought together partners from across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Herefordshire and Worcestershire to discuss progress in the work to implement the Government’s 10-year ‘From Harm to Hope’ drug strategy.
He said this key partnership work, was making "real progress" in clamping down on county lines and criminal gangs across West Mercia, leading to numerous arrests and seizures.
The partnership also has a focus on educating people about drug use and intervening with support when substance misuse happens.
This "holistic approach" has seen an increase in the number of people in treatment, attending services to get the specialist help they need to cope and recover.
Mr Campion, said: “I hear regularly from residents about their concerns in relation to drugs and the crime associated with its use.
"I am listening and will continue to work in partnership with important stakeholders across West Mercia to get to the root of the issue.
“By educating people about the dangers of drugs, intervening with the right help when substance misuse happens and enforcing the law to stop criminals profiting from misery, we will make real change in West Mercia.”
