Kit Malthouse, the Policing and Crime Minister, has announced a new Government drive to reduce drug demand, targeting 'non-dependent' users including wealthy Londoners and students who order cocaine from 'Deliveroo-style' dealers.
Mr Malthouse told i that coordinated policing will aim to dismantle 'county lines' operations within two years by targeting dealers' use of mobile phone and rail networks. However, he stressed that reducing supply alone is insufficient without tackling demand.
'There remains this body of people who are taking drugs, not necessarily dependent or addicted, but who are driving the business and driving the violence,' he said. A new Home Office study will examine what drives drug consumption and explore ways to make weekend users aware of the consequences of their actions.
Mr Malthouse criticised the current focus of enforcement, noting that drugs raids are disproportionately in poorer areas. 'It would be nice to go and do a drugs operation outside Sloane Square,' he said. He also highlighted the rise of cocaine use among students and the adaptation of the drugs industry to new delivery models.
The minister confirmed he has the backing of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is 'pretty obsessed about the impact of drugs'. Following initial research, Mr Malthouse plans to convene a meeting of civil society, government, business, education, and health sectors to address reducing consumption.
