§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug dealers have been(a) sent to and (b) released from prison in each of the last three years. [134536]
§ Mr. BoatengIt is not possible to identify "drug dealers" on the central prison database as it is not a standard coded item. The available information on receptions into and discharges from prisons in England and Wales for all coded drug offences is given in the table.
Receptions into and discharges from Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for drug offences 1997–99 Year 1997 1998 1999 1. Receptions Drug production 171 145 150 Drug supply 2,210 2,334 2,506 Drug possession with intent 2,535 2,576 2,521 Drug possession 1,139 1,259 1,347 Drug unlawful import/export 958 1,016 1,072 Other drugs offences 61 70 80 Total 7,074 7,400 7,676 2. Discharges Drug production 143 159 80 Drug supply 1,585 2,043 1,428 Drug possession with intent 2,076 2,475 1,547 Drug possession 964 1,129 962 Drug unlawful import/export 637 719 700 Other drugs offences 60 75 54 Total 5,465 6,600 4,771