This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Renfrewshire Against Drugs project launched
13/01/2003
The Renfrewshire Against Drugs project, which aims to
increase drugs seizures and the number of arrests for
drug-dealing offences, was launched today.
The project will involve an extensive marketing campaign
in which around 100,000 leaflets will be distributed to
residents living in and around the Renfrewshire Social
Inclusion Partnership. The campaign will also include
adverts on local buses, bus shelters, bill boards and
posters within public buildings.
Deputy Minister for Justice Hugh Henry said:
"I congratulate Renfrewshire Council, Paisley
Partnership and Strathclyde Police on the launch of
Renfrewshire Against Drugs. Their collaborative efforts
have produced an initiative which will go a long way to
tackling the problem of drug misuse in the local
community.
"The Renfrewshire Against Drugs initiative is an
important part of our Drugs Strategy - one of the
Executive's highest priorities. We are committed to
stifling the availability of drugs and helping communities
to combat drug-related crime which brings fear and misery
to families and communities.
"By adopting a comprehensive and multi-facetted
approach, we stand a better chance of tackling Scotland's
drug problems whether they are in Renfrewshire or any other
part of the country."
Eleanor Robertson, Chairperson of Argyll and Clyde
Alcohol and Drug Action Team, said:
"This initiative provides an excellent opportunity to
engage with local communities to tackle an issue that
greatly concerns the public. As well as the obvious
benefits of obtaining intelligence on those people who sell
drugs for profit, the Renfrewshire Against Drugs campaign
enhances partnership working in order that our communities
see the results from joint positive action.
"I am sure that as a result of the campaign, we will see
an impact on drug-related crime in our communities, and I
anticipate that other communities will gain from this
proactive initiative."
Renfrewshire Against Drugs will run from January to
March 2003. The project has three stages. Stage one
involves the distribution of approximately 100,000 leaflets
to residents living primarily in and around Renrewshire
Social Inclusion Areas. This will be part of a wider
marketing campaign. The leaflets will enable local
residents to anonymously provide information on those
involved in illegal drug activity within their communities.
Stage two will assess and analyse the information from
Stage one. The results from the campaign will be evaluated
under stage three.
Renfrewshire Against Drugs was developed in partnership
with local communities and key local organisations through
consultations with the Renfrewshire Addictions Forum,
families and drugs support groups and Renfrewshire Alcohol
and Drug Action Team.