Crime Solicitors

Oliver Letwin MP has told delegates at a UN Special Session on The World Drug Problem that efforts to meet the challenge of new psychoactive substances must be redoubled to bring such drugs under international control.

Mr Letwin told the meeting that it represented “a unique opportunity” to enhance the global approach to drugs – and to lay forward a clear roadmap for a new Political Declaration and Plan of Action in 2019.

Mr Letwin said:

“We must ensure that our work is fully integrated with the Global Goals, because the 2030 Development Agenda and our efforts to address drug harms are complementary and mutually reinforcing.

“The United Kingdom welcome the Outcome Document – it combines ambitious goals with operational recommendations that all Member States should consider implementing.”

Mr Letwin said that United Kingdom was delivering “a modern, balanced, evidence-based response to drugs” within the UN conventions – adding that there had been a reduction in drug misuse among adults and young people over the last ten years in England and Wales, with more people recovering from their dependency now than in 2009.

“We are currently developing a new drug strategy, which we will publish shortly,” said Mr Letwin.

“Our 2016 drug strategy will build on our current balanced approach of reducing demand, restricting supply and building recovery – and will tackle drugs as a key driver of crime.”

Responding to the global challenges posed by new psychoactive substances is a priority for the UK government, with new legislation – the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 – introduced in January.

The Act introduces a general ban on the production, supply, import and export of all new psychoactive substances to complement the UK’s “wider, balanced response”, said Mr Letwin.

“Over the last three years the United Kingdom has worked to demonstrate global leadership on this issue, with the long-term objective of establishing a sustainable international system that can deal effectively with new psychoactive substances,” he added.

The UK has formed the International Action Group on New Psychoactive Substances – an informal group of Member States and international organisations that seeks to coordinate and drive the international response.

“The international community has made significant progress, but there is more to be done,” Mr Letwin told the meeting.

“We must redouble our efforts to meet the challenge of new psychoactive substances – including through data-sharing, policy exchange and international cooperation, to bring the most harmful substances under international control.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge relating to drugs offences, including the production, supply, import and export of all new psychoactive substances, as well as offences involving Class A drugs or Class B drugs.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on all drugs charges, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.