Express & Star

David Jamieson: 'Our drugs approach is failing' as summit called to tackle £1.4bn problem

A summit will be held to help tackle the problem of drugs in the West Midlands, which is costing the region £1.4 billion every year.

Published
Last updated
David Jamieson

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has announced an inquiry featuring top politicians, health professionals and drugs experts.

Mr Jamieson said the Midlands' collective approach to drugs is failing – so he wants fresh ideas to help tackle the problem.

Every three days in the West Midlands somebody dies from drug poisoning, according to the PCC.

Speakers at the event on Friday will include Mr Jamieson, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Chief Constable Dave Thompson, and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Drug Policy Reform – Baroness Molly Meacher.

Representatives from Public Health England and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will also be heard.

Mr Jamieson said: “Despite the good work being done by many, collectively our approach to drugs is failing.

"Drugs are costing the West Midlands £1.4 billion each year.

“It means people are forced to live with more crime, public services are put under strain and not enough is done to reduce the suffering of those who are addicted.

“I will report back in February with the proposals from the summit that I believe can reduce the harm that results from drug taking in the West Midlands.

“If we are to cut crime and save lives there’s one thing we can all agree on; we need fresh ideas.

“I am looking forward to this summit bringing them out.”

Mr Jamieson said there will be roundtable discussions as well as presentations by different organisations who will put forward ideas on how to tackle the problem.

The PCC will consider the conclusions of the summit ahead of making firm proposals for change in February.

Mr Jamieson has already published a detailed report on the cost of drugs to the West Midlands.

This estimated the cost of substance misuse in the West Midlands is £1.4 billion each year.

Half of all burglary, theft, shoplifting and robbery is committed by people suffering from serious addiction to drugs including heroin and crack cocaine.

Every three days in the West Midlands somebody dies from drug poisoning, while organised criminals are profiting from this misery.