Impact of illegal drug crime on local communities examined
The Home Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into the impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods with a session focussing on drugs.
Meeting details
The sale and use of illicit drugs can result in a range of negative consequences for local communities. It can lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and violence. 3,700 deaths were attributed to drug misuse in England and Wales in 2024.
The drug economy is fuelled by exploitation. County lines facilitate the transport of illegal drugs from one area to another, often through gangs coercing children or vulnerable people. Local areas can also experience additional crime related to county lines, including intimidation and weapon use.
In this session, the Home Affairs Committee will examine the scale and impact of crime related to illegal drugs on local communities and the policing strategies to tackle it. It will examine how intelligence is gathered at a local neighbourhood level to identify and deal with the main sources of crime. The Committee will also consider what impact the reforms announced in the Police Reform White Paper could have on tackling serious and organised crime.