Illegal drug use in Northern Ireland is being addressed on a number of fronts. The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (2006-11) provided an overarching strategy. In parallel, PSNI and other law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland are delivering significant results at an operational level. Last year, in addition to seizing over £22 million of drugs, the number of arrests for drug offences rose by almost 20 per cent. from 1,419 to 1,726.
Through the Organised Task Force, the PSNI work closely with HMRC and SOCA on an international and national basis to tackle the menace of drugs. In addition, the Assets Recovery Agency have successfully frozen assets believed to have been obtained through profit from drug dealing. Excellent cross border relations exist on this issue with An Garda Siochana.
Tackling drug misuse continues to be a priority. The Criminal Justice Directorate of the Northern Ireland Office and the NI Prison Service fund a range of statutory and voluntary sector organisations to deliver drug treatment services to offenders.