This will include police enforcement activities to rid drugs from our communities by identifying and prosecuting dealers, educating our young people on the harm caused by drugs and focus on supporting individuals and their families affected by drug use.
To highlight this work the council and its Safer South Gloucestershire partners have lined up a number of events throughout the week.
They include:
● A drug awareness stand at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, today, from 9.30am to 3.30pm
● Drug workers to visit the library and visitor’s centre at HMP Leyhill to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs
● A drug awareness stand at Sainsbury’s, Stoke Gifford on Thursday 11 June from 9.30am to 12.30pm
● Police officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols throughout the week
National Tackling Drugs Week provides an opportunity to increase understanding and remind people of the large number of public services and local organisations, who work together to tackle drugs and the affects of drug use and make our communities safer.
Cllr John Godwin, executive member for external partnerships, said: “National Tackling Drugs Week is about highlighting and promoting the work that goes on throughout the year in our communities to help reduce the harm caused by illegal substances.
“I want to thank those who go that extra mile to tackle drug use, work tirelessly to bring to justice dealers who blight our communities and, educate young people about the dangers of drugs and provide support for friends and family of people who misuse illegal substances in order secure a positive future.
“We can only do this through joint action between partners such as police forces, drug treatment agencies and South Gloucestershire Council, and this work is helping to make our communities safer and happier places in which to live and work.”
ENDS