Focus on ‘super strength’ drug

12:10pm Monday 19th May 2008

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POLICE are urging residents to "grass" on drug users as part of a major crackdown beginning today.

The dangers of super-strength "skunk" cannabis will be the focus of police action this week as officers in York and North Yorkshire take part in a Drugs Action Week.

Under the banner of "Grass on Skunk", North Yorkshire Police are urging members of the community to inform officers about anyone who they think may be using or dealing the drug.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Read, who is leading the operation, said: "This potent form of cannabis has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and there is a body of evidence to suggest it can cause serious mental and physical harm. It is also seen as a gateway drug' to more addictive and damaging illegal substances such as cocaine and heroin.

"Up and down the country, drugs are a scourge on society. They break up families and literally destroy lives.

"We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend we in North Yorkshire and the city of York have escaped this national problem. The stark reality is that drugs are present in our communities and, worryingly, are often not far from our own doorsteps.

"Therefore it is vital that we work together to tackle the issue from all angles - through strict police enforcement, education and awareness, and direct medical help, support and intervention - as will be ably demonstrated throughout the Drugs Action Week."

Det Supt Read said residents who have concerns about drug dealing and drug use in their community, can play a key part in the policing aspect of the campaign.

He said: "The Grass on Skunk' slogan means just that: we're actively urging members of the public to contact North Yorkshire Police to tip us off about skunk cannabis dealers and all other drug-related activity. We will then do everything we can to act upon this invaluable intelligence and take decisive action."

The police campaign will be combined with a full programme of education, advice, awareness and support activities co-ordinated by the North Yorkshire & York Drug & Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

Sue Maddison, York's DAAT co-ordinator, said: "Too often we hear about the problems that are caused by illicit drugs, without the public having the opportunity to see the wider aspects of partnership work and how effective drug treatment and enforcement can be as part of a co-ordinated approach.

"There is a great deal of work that is undertaken by partners to tackle drugs which will be highlighted by some of the activities taking place this week."

The local campaign runs until Saturday, and coincides with the Home Office's National Tackling Drugs Week. Information should be passed onto North Yorkshire Police by phoning 0845 60 60 247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cannabis facts

* Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Britain* The main active compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - which is often in higher quantities in "skunk"* The Home Office Cannabis Potency Study 2008 showed that herbal cannabis accounted for 81 per cent of all cannabis seized by the police on the street when giving a warning to users* Significantly, 97 per cent of that herbal cannabis was skunk * Since 1990, when skunk first appeared in the UK, its potency has slowly increased * The average age of first use is 13, and young people may binge on skunk in the same way as alcohol* If they do, the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that the consequences of this "may be serious to their mental health"* Currently cannabis is a Class C drug and it is illegal to have, sell or give away* The maximum penalty of possessing cannabis is two years in prison, and the maximum you can get for dealing is 14 years in prison.