HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 c702W
Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were for drug-related offences in the Peterlee sub division of the Durham police in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002; and if he will make a statement. [91609]

Mr. Denham

The available information relating to illegal drugs, is given in the table.

Persons1 proceeded against in the Easington petty sessional area for the possession of and dealing in a controlled drug, 1999, 2000 and 2001
Easington petty sessional area
Possession of a controlled drug
1999 21
2000 61
2001 118
Dealing in a controlled drug2
1999 21
2000 61
2001 32
1Persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with.
2Includes offences of importation/exportation, production, supplying, possession with intent to supply etc.

The number of arrests within the Peterlee sub division of Durham constabulary are not available centrally. The 'use' of illegal drugs is not an offence.

Statistics for 2002 will be available in the autumn. 2001 Criminal statistics is available on the Stationary Office website (http:www.homeoffice.gov.uk.rds.pdfs2hosb402.pdf), and copies are available in the Library.