Paignton police operation targets recreational drug use in licensed premises
The operation, which saw officers visit six licensed premises in Paignton, resulted in five people being found in possession of small quantities of drugs, with each admitting the offence and receiving a Community Resolution rather than prosecution.
Five people were found in possession of small quantities of drugs after police carried out a crackdown on recreational drug use across six licensed premises in Paignton.
Officers, working with Police Dog Jasper and his handler, visited the venues on a Friday night in August as part of the Pubs Against Drugs operation, aimed at disrupting drug use, carrying and supply in the town.
More than 10 stop searches were carried out during the operation. Five people were found with small amounts of drugs, and each admitted the offence, resulting in a Community Resolution (CR) rather than prosecution. As part of the resolution, they must now complete a mandatory online course designed to discourage future drug use and raise awareness of its wider impact.
Police response
Acting Police Sergeant Lamont, of the South Devon Performance Team, said the operation was designed to send a clear message as summer drew to a close.
"This was a very well thought out and researched operation organised to remind and reassure the public that we, as the Police, along with our partner agencies, will not tolerate the use of drugs," he said. "We are proactive on this topic and generally find overwhelming support from our local communities whilst delivering these initiatives. We wanted to ensure that this helped set the tone as our summer draws to a close. Drugs are not welcome in South Devon."
He said the operation also gave officers a chance to promote safer choices on nights out. "Not only that, but it's an opportunity for us to encourage people to make safe decisions and to enjoy a safe night out without drugs," he said. "We would like to encourage local people to report any drug offences in their area to us, we are interested in information no matter how big or small it may seem."
A/Sgt Lamont said the resolutions issued were intended to steer people away from further drug use rather than simply punish them. "The purpose of CRs is to divert people from possessing or using drugs, and it's proven that issuing these resolutions leads to better outcomes in preventing re-offending," he said.
A Community Resolution does not result in a criminal record or count as a formal conviction. It is a voluntary agreement, and the individual must admit guilt and agree to take part. Outcomes can include a verbal or written apology, repairing any damage caused, or paying compensation.
Who was involved
The operation was carried out jointly by the South Devon Performance Team, the Neighbourhood Support Team, the Professional Development Unit and Paignton Police Neighbourhood Team.
Anyone wanting to report drug dealing in their community can contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or via the force website, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website. Updates from the local neighbourhood team are also available via Paignton Police's Facebook page, and residents can sign up to the Devon & Cornwall Community Messaging scheme for incident news, event information and crime prevention advice.