Drug seizures up by almost 15% during pandemic across Wiltshire
The figures rose nationally too
It has been revealed the number of drug seizures across Wiltshire increased by nearly 15% during the pandemic.
Home Office data show Wiltshire Police carried out 1,849 seizures in the year to March 2021, compared to 1,624 during the previous 12 months.
Police chiefs say a drop in calls from the public during parts of 2020-21 meant forces across the country had greater capacity to proactively focus on drugs crimes, including county lines activity.
There were 220,000 seizures nationwide, up more than a fifth from 2019-20.
'Drug seizures reflect policing activity, rather than drug activity'
However, Release, the national centre for drugs expertise, said seizures have little impact on the availability of drugs. It claims substance users had no difficulties finding a dealer in a "resilient and adaptable market," even during the pandemic.
Dr Laura Garius, Release's policy lead, said the organisation's monitoring of UK drug purchasing during the Coronavirus crisis found more people actually reported an increase in consumption.
"Just as we see with recorded drug offences, drug seizures reflect policing activity and priorities, rather than accurately reflecting drug market activity," he added.
Class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, were seized by Wiltshire Police 435 times during the year to March. Variations of Class B substances were also found in 1,457 cases.
Cannabis was a factor in 79% of all seizures, with officers subsequently confiscating 1,191 cannabis plants.
'Drugs gangs ruin lives'
Policing and Crime Minister, Kit Malthouse, said: "Drugs gangs ruin lives and dismantling their conspiracies for good means breaking their businesses and destroying their profits.
"Well done to the Border Force and police for tackling this head on".