Less Drugs Seized In Cornwall Last Year Than The Year Before

In a contrasting trend to the national increase in cocaine seizures, Devon and Cornwall Police reported a decrease in the amount of powder cocaine confiscated in the 2022-23 period compared to the previous year. This local decline emerges amidst a broader context where police forces across England and Wales have observed a significant rise in cocaine seizures.

Home Office statistics reveal that Devon and Cornwall Police conducted 808 operations in the year ending March 2023, resulting in the seizure of 16.7 kilograms of powder cocaine. This figure marks a decrease from the 18.7 kilograms seized in the previous year. The national picture, however, paints a different story, with police forces across England and Wales reporting a doubling in cocaine seizures, totalling 3,360 kilograms in the same period.

Despite this increase in police force seizures, the UK Border Force experienced a substantial reduction in cocaine confiscations. The drop of nearly 1,900 kilograms led to a total of 15,219 kilograms being confiscated over the year. Consequently, the overall volume of cocaine seized from criminals saw a minor decline, though it remains the second-highest volume on record.

Chief Constable Richard Lewis, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for drugs, lauded the rise in seizures by police forces as a significant achievement. He emphasised the importance of removing drugs from circulation to undermine criminal assets and prevent the reinvestment of profits in more severe criminal activities. Lewis also highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat drug use and raise awareness about the dangers of cocaine, a substance known for its addictive properties and potential to entrap users in cycles of exploitation.

Beyond cocaine, Devon and Cornwall Police reported a total of 3,881 drug seizures last year, a decrease from 4,848 in the prior year. These operations included the confiscation of 877 cannabis plants, 165.9 kilograms of herbal cannabis, 2.8 kilograms of cannabis resin, and 1.3 kilograms of crack cocaine.

Minister for Crime, Policing, and Fire Chris Philp reiterated the government’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks involved in the drug trade. He praised the efforts of the Border Force and police officers in safeguarding communities and maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards both the supply and possession of illegal drugs. Philp’s statement underscores the government’s continued focus on combating drug-related crime across the nation.