DECISION

1.    To note the report and the progress of Operation Continuum since its implementation in December 2017 to date.

2.    To support the continuation of targeted geographic operations to disrupt drug markets in addition to business as usual law enforcement and robust policing.

3.    To commend our local Borough Commander, her police officers, those in the Council funded Partnership Task Force and wider partners for their focus to date on this issue and encourage the Metropolitan Police to maintain their corporate commitment to tackling drugs with the full support of all council resources.

4.    To endorse the partnership approach and ensure that we continue to build our understanding of drug markets in order to disrupt, dismantle and safeguard our communities and young people from harm.

5.    To ensure robust enforcement initiatives like Continuum and targeted communications are incorporated in the future approach to tackling substance misuse problems, crime and offending.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Divisional Director, Community Safety (A. Corbett)

The Mayor and Cabinet were provided with a presentation on the progress and successes of the Council’s Operation Continuum campaigns targeting drug dealing and associated criminality.

Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, and Mike Harmer, Metropolitan Police, set out the good work that had been undertaken in the partnership and highlighted the figures which demonstrated the number of arrests, seizures and other actions that had taken place. They explained that the work was not just about making arrests but it was focusing on a more holistic approach to tackling the impact including looking at drug treatment and other underlying causes of drug use. The Cabinet were shown videos of the work of the partnership including raids on suspected drug dealers and community engagement exercises.

The Mayor welcomed the report and the positive impact the Operation had demonstrated. He explained that this was a major area of focus for the Council as the impact could be seen in many parts of the community. He welcomed the progress but agreed that there was a lot more to do. He was particularly concerned about the potential impact this was having on young people and vulnerable adults.

The Mayor thanked all those who were involved for their important contribution to the wellbeing of the borough and he agreed the recommendations set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report and the progress of Operation Continuum since its implementation in December 2017 to date.

2.    To support the continuation of targeted geographic operations to disrupt drug markets in addition to business as usual law enforcement and robust policing.

3.    To commend our local Borough Commander, her police officers, those in the Council funded Partnership Task Force and wider partners for their focus to date on this issue and encourage the Metropolitan Police to maintain their corporate commitment to tackling drugs with the full support of all council resources.

4.    To endorse the partnership approach and ensure that we continue to build our understanding of drug markets in order to disrupt, dismantle and safeguard our communities and young people from harm.

5.    To ensure robust enforcement initiatives like Continuum and targeted communications are incorporated in the future approach to tackling substance misuse problems, crime and offending.