HC Deb 01 November 1995 vol 265 cc341-2W
Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list the number and nature of arrests for drug-related offences in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years; [39627]

(2) if he will list the number of arrests in each of the last 10 years for offences regarding the possession and selling of (a) heroine, (b) cocaine, (c) ecstasy and (d) cannabis in Northern Ireland. [39634]

Sir John Wheeler

The Government, together with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, are committed to tackling all aspects of the drug problem in Northern Ireland. During the past year, the number of officers in the RUC drugs squad has increased by 15 per cent. and the post of head of drugs squad has been upgraded to detective superintendent. There are now more than three times the number of drugs liaison officers as there were last year, an increase from 18 to 60.

In addition, I recently established the central co-ordinating group for action against drugs of which I am chairman. This group comprises top level representatives from Northern Ireland Government Departments, the medical profession and the RUC and will co-ordinate Government action on all aspects of the campaign against drugs.

The RUC collate figures showing the number of persons arrested for drugs offences. A breakdown by drugs trafficking, possession, or type of drugs is not available.

The number of persons arrested for drugs offences, and the number of persons proceeded against at court for drugs offences, are set out in the tables.

Number of persons arrested in Northern Ireland for drugs offences 1985–1994
Numbers
1985 316
1986 304
1987 223
1988 432
1989 440
1990 429
1991 453
1992 610
1993 976
1994 1,196
Persons proceeded against at court for drugs offences Northern Ireland 1993 and 1994
1993 1994
Males 471 573
Females 25 37
Total 496 610

"Persons proceeded against" refers to persons prosecuted for drugs offences at Juvenile, Magistrates' or Crown Courts and for whom a result has been obtained ie guilty or not guilty.

Figures cannot be provided prior to 1993 on grounds of disproportionate cost.